JP7464298B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to gaming machines.

In the past, some gaming machines, such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, are controlled to a state in which a door-open detection is notified when a door-open detection is detected. In addition, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the gaming machine is controlled to a state in which a magnetic detection is notified when a magnetic detection is detected. In addition, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the gaming machine is controlled to a state in which a vibration detection is notified when a vibration detection is detected. In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, whether the gaming machine is controlled to a state in which a door-open detection is notified, a state in which a magnetic detection is notified, or a state in which a vibration detection is notified, may be in a progress-enabled state in which the game can proceed, or in a progress-disabled state in which the game cannot proceed, regardless of whether the gaming machine is controlled to a state in which a door-open detection is notified, a state in which a magnetic detection is notified, or a state in which a vibration detection is notified.

JP 2017-100021 A

When making a progress-impossible state, it is desirable to exercise appropriate control based on the fact that progress is impossible.

The gaming machine that solves the above problem is a gaming machine that can be controlled to an unprogressable state in which it is impossible to progress with a game, and is equipped with a magnetic detection means capable of detecting magnetism , an information display unit whose display content can be updated as the game progresses, a main control unit, and a sub-control unit capable of executing predetermined processing based on control information from the main control unit, and the main control unit has a function as magnetic management control means capable of executing magnetic management control regarding the detection of magnetic field by the magnetic detection means, a function as unprogressable state control means that can control the game to the unprogressable state when a special condition is met, a function as information display unit control means that can control the display content of the information display unit, and a function as prize ball control means that can execute control to award prize balls, and the special condition is met when a value that can be changed with the awarding of prize balls reaches a specified value, and the magnetic management control means does not execute the magnetic management control at least during the period from when the special condition is met and the game is controlled to the unprogressable state until the power supply is stopped , and the display content of the information display unit is not updated when the game is controlled to the unprogressable state, even if the game is controlled to the unprogressable state.

This invention allows for appropriate control.

FIG. FIG. FIG. A diagram showing the types of jackpots. A figure showing an example of the display content regarding pending images and in-progress images on a performance display device. (a) is a figure showing an example of the display content of the performance display device when a right-hit notification performance is executed, and (b) is a figure showing an example of the display content of the performance display device when a left-hit notification performance is executed. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart showing a door opening management process. 13 is a flowchart showing a magnetic management process. 13 is a flowchart showing unit prize ball processing. 13 is a flowchart showing a progress disable process. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of the display content of the performance display device when progress impossibility information is stored. A figure showing an example of the display content of the effect display device when a prize ball effect is executed. 11 is a diagram showing the time difference between the timing at which the initial operation of a movable body starts as a result of resumption of power supply and the timing at which the display of a controlled image starts. 11A to 11C are diagrams showing various situations when progress impossibility information is stored during execution of a special game. A diagram showing various situations when progress impossibility information is stored while waiting for a jackpot game to occur. A figure showing various situations when progress impossibility information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded. This figure shows various pieces of information when power supply is cut off after progress-impossible information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, and then power supply is resumed.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the gaming machine will be described. In this specification, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (rear) indicate the respective directions as seen by a player.
As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10 (hereinafter, referred to as gaming machine 10) as a gaming machine includes a frame body 11. The frame body 11 includes an outer frame 12, a middle frame 13, and a front frame 14. The outer frame 12 is fixed to an installation facility. The middle frame 13 is supported on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. A gaming board unit including a gaming board 20 is fixed to the middle frame 13. The front frame 14 is supported on the front side of the middle frame 13 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the front side of the gaming board 20. A protective glass that covers the entire opening 14a of the front frame 14 and protects the gaming board 20 is supported on the front frame 14. The middle frame 13 and the front frame 14 are supported on the outer frame 12 so as to be openable and closable.

The gaming machine 10 is provided with a locking mechanism SK for restricting the opening of the middle frame 13 and the front frame 14 and for releasing the restriction. For example, the locking mechanism SK can be unlocked by operating the locking mechanism SK using a frame key (key) managed by the manager of the gaming facility, and the middle frame 13 and the front frame 14 can be opened. The gaming machine 10 is provided with a door opening sensor ES1 (shown in FIG. 7) that detects the opening of the middle frame 13 and the front frame 14 as door members. The door opening sensor ES1 can detect that at least one of the middle frame 13 and the front frame 14 is opened. In the following description, the case where the door member is opened corresponds to the case where at least one of the middle frame 13 and the front frame 14 is opened, and the case where the door member is closed corresponds to the case where the middle frame 13 and the front frame 14 are closed. It is preferable that the door opening sensor ES1 can detect at least one of the states that at least one of the middle frame 13 and the front frame 14 is opened and that the middle frame 13 and the front frame 14 are closed. In this embodiment, the door open sensor ES1 functions as a door detection means capable of detecting at least one of the open and closed states of the door member.

The gaming machine 10 is provided with a decorative lamp 17 on the front side of the front frame 14. The decorative lamp 17 performs an effect of turning on and off the built-in light-emitting element (hereinafter referred to as a light-emitting effect). The gaming machine 10 is provided with a speaker 18 that outputs sound on the front side of the front frame 14. The speaker 18 performs an effect of outputting sounds such as voices, sound effects, and music (hereinafter referred to as a sound effect). The gaming machine 10 is provided with an upper tray UZ on the front side of the front frame 14 in which gaming balls that serve as gaming media can be stored. The gaming machine 10 is provided with a lower tray DZ on the front side of the front frame 14 in which gaming balls that serve as gaming media can be stored. For example, the lower tray DZ can store gaming balls that overflow and cannot be paid out to the upper tray UZ.

The gaming machine 10 is provided with a launch handle 16 on the front side of the front frame 14. In the gaming machine 10, gaming balls are launched with a strength according to the amount of operation (amount of rotation) of the launch handle 16. For example, in the gaming machine 10, when a player operates the launch handle 16, a launch device 70 is activated as a gaming ball launcher provided inside the machine, and a gaming ball is launched. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, gaming balls can be launched by operating the launch handle 16. The launch handle 16 is provided with a touch sensor TS (shown in FIG. 7) that can detect that the launch handle 16 has been operated. The launch handle 16 is provided with a handle volume HB (shown in FIG. 7) that can detect the amount of operation (amount of rotation) of the launch handle 16.

As shown in FIG. 2, a game area 21 that is substantially circular in front view is defined on the front side of the game board 20. The game board 20 has a guide passage 21a that guides game balls launched by the actuation of the launching device 70 to the game area 21. The game board 20 has a backflow prevention valve 21b that prevents game balls launched into the game area 21 from returning back to the guide passage 21a. Game balls launched by the actuation of the launching device 70 are guided by the guide passage 21a, pass through the backflow prevention valve 21b located at the most downstream of the guide passage 21a, and reach the game area 21. The game balls that reach the game area 21 flow down the game area 21.

The gaming machine 10 is provided with an information display panel 22. The information display panel 22 is provided with a first special symbol display section 22a. The first special symbol display section 22a displays a first special symbol changing game (hereinafter referred to as the first special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the first special symbol is finally displayed as a fixed stop. The information display panel 22 is provided with a second special symbol display section 22b. The second special symbol display section 22b displays a second special symbol changing game (hereinafter referred to as the second special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the second special symbol is finally displayed as a fixed stop. Hereinafter, the first special game and the second special game may be collectively referred to as the "special game". In this way, the special game as a variable game includes the first special game as the first variable game and the second special game as the second variable game. The special game is a special symbol changing game. The special symbol is a symbol that notifies the result of an internal lottery to be described later.

In this specification, "variable display" means a state in which the type of the displayed pattern changes over time. In this specification, "fixed stop display" means a state in which the pattern is fixedly displayed and the type of the displayed pattern does not change. Special patterns that can be fixedly displayed in the special pattern display sections 22a and 22b include big win patterns, small win patterns, and miss patterns. When a big win pattern is fixedly displayed in a special game, the player can recognize a big win. When a small win pattern is fixedly displayed in a special game, the player can recognize a small win. When a miss pattern is fixedly displayed in a special game, the player can recognize a miss.

The first special symbol display section 22a is composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements. When a special symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the first special symbol display section 22a, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements constituting the first special symbol display section 22a is lit. Incidentally, during the execution of the first special game, the light-emitting elements constituting the first special symbol display section 22a are lit in a lighting state corresponding to the execution of the first special game. Similarly, the second special symbol display section 22b is composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements. When a special symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the second special symbol display section 22b, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements constituting the second special symbol display section 22b is lit. Incidentally, during the execution of the second special game, the light-emitting elements constituting the second special symbol display section 22b are lit in a lighting state corresponding to the execution of the second special game.

In this embodiment, the first special game and the second special game are configured to be able to be executed simultaneously. The gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to execute the second special game even while the first special game is being executed, and is also configured to be able to execute the first special game even while the second special game is being executed. For this reason, in the gaming machine 10, both the first special game and the second special game may be executed in parallel. In this embodiment, the special symbol display units 22a and 22b realize the function as a variable game execution means that executes a variable game based on the lottery result of the winning lottery. And, in this embodiment, the special symbol display units 22a and 22b are configured to be able to execute the first variable game and the second variable game in parallel at the same time.

In the gaming machine 10, a jackpot lottery may be held when a special game is executed. In the gaming machine 10, when a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery, a jackpot symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the special game that is the subject of the win, and then the jackpot game is generated (awarded). In this way, in the gaming machine 10, if a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery held when a special game is executed, the jackpot game can be awarded after the special game has ended. In other words, in the gaming machine 10, a jackpot game is generated when the jackpot lottery is won.

In the gaming machine 10, a small win lottery may be held when a special game is executed. In the gaming machine 10, when a small win is won in the small win lottery, the small win symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the special game that is the subject of the win, and then the small win game is generated (awarded). In this way, in the gaming machine 10, if a small win is won in the small win lottery held when a special game is executed, it is possible to award the small win game after the special game has ended. In other words, in the gaming machine 10, when a small win lottery is won, a small win game is generated.

In this embodiment, winning a jackpot in the jackpot lottery is equivalent to winning the jackpot lottery, and is equivalent to winning a jackpot in the winning lottery. The jackpot symbol being displayed as a fixed stop in the special game is equivalent to the result of winning a jackpot in the special game. Similarly, winning a small jackpot lottery is equivalent to winning a small jackpot in the winning lottery. The small jackpot symbol being displayed as a fixed stop in the special game is equivalent to the result of winning a small jackpot in the special game. Incidentally, not winning a jackpot and not winning a small jackpot is equivalent to not winning either a jackpot or a small jackpot. The loss symbol being displayed as a fixed stop in the special game is equivalent to the result of not winning either a jackpot or a small jackpot in the special game.

In the gaming machine 10, if the execution of a second special game is started during the execution of a first special game based on winning a jackpot, the losing symbol is forcibly displayed as a fixed stop in the second special game. Similarly, in the gaming machine 10, if the execution of a first special game is started during the execution of a second special game based on winning a jackpot, the losing symbol is forcibly displayed as a fixed stop in the first special game. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, if one of the first and second special games is being executed based on winning a jackpot and the execution of the other special game is started, the losing symbol is forcibly displayed as a fixed stop in the other special game.

In the gaming machine 10, if a jackpot symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the first special game during the execution of the second special game, a losing symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the second special game, and the second special game ends. Similarly, in the gaming machine 10, if a jackpot symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the second special game during the execution of the first special game, a losing symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the first special game, and the first special game ends. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, if a jackpot symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in one of the first and second special games during the execution of the other special game, a losing symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the one special game, and the one special game is forcibly ended. In this embodiment, the forcible ending of a special game with a losing symbol displayed as a fixed stop corresponds to a forcible ending in the first mode. In other words, in this embodiment, if the second variation game becomes a jackpot during the execution of the first variation game and a jackpot game is awarded, the first variation game being executed is forcibly ended in the first mode. Similarly, in this embodiment, if the first variation game becomes a jackpot while the second variation game is being executed and a jackpot game is awarded, the second variation game being executed is forcibly ended in the first mode.

In the gaming machine 10, if a small win symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the second special game during the execution of the first special game, a losing symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the first special game, and the first special game ends. Similarly, in the gaming machine 10, if a small win symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the first special game during the execution of the second special game, a losing symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the second special game, and the second special game ends. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, if a small win symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in one of the first and second special games during the execution of the other special game, a losing symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the one special game, and the one special game is forcibly ended. In other words, in this embodiment, if the second variation game becomes a small win during the execution of the first variation game and a small win game is awarded, the first variation game being executed is forcibly ended in the first mode. Similarly, in this embodiment, if the first variation game results in a small win while the second variation game is being played and a small win is awarded, the second variation game being played is forcibly ended in the first mode.

Incidentally, in the gaming machine 10, if a losing symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the first special game while the second special game is being executed, the second special game does not end, and execution of the second special game continues. Similarly, in the gaming machine 10, if a losing symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the second special game while the first special game is being executed, the first special game does not end, and execution of the first special game continues.

The information display panel 22 includes a first special hold display section 22c and a second special hold display section 22d. The first special hold display section 22c displays in a recognizable manner the number of first special games whose execution has been put on hold because the start conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the first special hold number). The gaming machine 10 is capable of putting the execution of the first special game on hold. The second special hold display section 22d displays in a recognizable manner the number of second special games whose execution has been put on hold because the start conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the second special hold number). The gaming machine 10 is capable of putting the execution of the second special game on hold. In this way, this embodiment is capable of putting on hold the execution of a variable game.

The first special hold display section 22c is composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements. The plurality of light-emitting elements constituting the first special hold display section 22c are lit in a lighting manner that can specify the number of times (number) of the first special game that is on hold. For example, when the number of the first special game that is on hold is 1 or more, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements constituting the first special hold display section 22c is lit. Note that when the number of the first special game that is on hold is 1 or more, it corresponds to when the execution of the first special game is on hold. Similarly, the second special hold display section 22d is composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements. The plurality of light-emitting elements constituting the second special hold display section 22d are lit in a lighting manner that can specify the number of times (number) of the second special game that is on hold. For example, when the number of the second special game that is on hold is 1 or more, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements constituting the second special hold display section 22d is lit. Note that when the number of the second special game that is on hold is 1 or more, it corresponds to when the execution of the second special game is on hold. In this embodiment, at least one of the first special hold display unit 22c and the second special hold display unit 22d functions as a hold light emitting means capable of lighting in a lighting pattern that can identify the number of variable games on hold. This embodiment is configured such that when the number of variable games on hold is 1 or more, at least one of the light emitters constituting the hold light emitting means is lit.

The information display panel 22 includes a normal symbol display section 22e and a normal hold display section 22f. The normal symbol display section 22e displays a normal symbol variable game (hereinafter referred to as a normal game) that changes and displays a predetermined symbol, and finally displays a normal symbol as a fixed stop. The normal symbols that can be displayed as fixed stops on the normal symbol display section 22e include at least a normal win symbol that is displayed as a fixed stop in the case of a normal win, and a normal loss symbol that is displayed as a fixed stop in the case of a normal loss. In the gaming machine 10, when the normal win lottery is won, a normal win symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the normal game, and then a normal win game is generated (awarded). The normal hold display section 22f recognizably displays the number of normal games (hereinafter referred to as the normal hold number) whose execution is on hold because the start condition has been met but the execution condition has not yet been met.

The normal symbol display section 22e is composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements. When a normal symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the normal symbol display section 22e, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements constituting the normal symbol display section 22e is lit. Incidentally, during the execution of a normal game, the light-emitting elements constituting the normal symbol display section 22e are lit in a lighting mode corresponding to the execution of the normal game. In addition, the normal hold display section 22f is composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements. The plurality of light-emitting elements constituting the normal hold display section 22f are lit in a lighting mode that can identify the number of times (number) of normal games whose execution is held. For example, when the number of normal games whose execution is held is 1 or more, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements constituting the normal hold display section 22f is lit. Incidentally, when the number of normal games whose execution is held is 1 or more, this corresponds to when the execution of a normal game is held.

The information display panel 22 is equipped with a right-hit notification lamp 22g. Details will be described later, but the right-hit notification lamp 22g notifies that right-hitting is recommended in a situation in which right-hitting is recommended. The right-hit notification lamp 22g is composed of one light-emitting element. In a situation in which right-hitting is recommended, the light-emitting element that constitutes the right-hit notification lamp 22g lights up. On the other hand, in a situation in which right-hitting is not recommended, the light-emitting element that constitutes the right-hit notification lamp 22g does not light up and is turned off.

The special symbol display units 22a, 22b, special hold display units 22c, 22d, normal symbol display unit 22e, normal hold display unit 22f and right hit notification lamp 22g provided on the information display panel 22 do not need to be provided on the same component as the information display panel 22 in this embodiment, but may be provided separately on different components. For example, the first special symbol display unit 22a and the first special hold display unit 22c may be provided on the same component, while the second special symbol display unit 22b and the second special hold display unit 22d may be provided on a different component.

The gaming machine 10 has a center frame 23 decorated with various ornaments, located approximately in the center of the play area 21 of the game board 20. The center frame 23 has an opening 23a. The gaming machine 10 has a movable body 24. The movable body 24 can move between an original position 24a and a performance position 24b. The movable body 24 moves by receiving power from a performance actuator EA (shown in FIG. 7). The movable body 24 has a gear mechanism for transmitting the power of the performance actuator EA. In the gaming machine 10, the power of the performance actuator EA moves the movable body 24 through the gear mechanism. The gaming machine 10 has an original position sensor GS (shown in FIG. 7) that can detect the movable body 24 when the movable body 24 is located at the original position 24a.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a performance display device 25 as a display means. For example, the performance display device 25 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The performance display device 25 is equipped with a display area 25r in which an image is displayed. The performance display device 25 is attached to the gaming board 20 so that the player can view the display area 25r through the opening 23a of the center frame 23. The performance display device 25 executes a performance (hereinafter referred to as a display performance) that displays an image that resembles a specified character or letter. In this embodiment, some or all of the performance devices among the decorative lamp 17, the speaker 18, and the performance display device 25 correspond to the performance execution means.

The gaming machine 10 is provided with a first start hole 26 as a start hole. The first start hole 26 is located below the center frame 23 in the game area 21. The first start hole 26 is always open so that a game ball can be inserted. The gaming machine 10 is provided with a first start sensor SE1 (shown in FIG. 7) that detects a game ball that has entered the first start hole 26. The first start sensor SE1 realizes the function of a start ball entry detection means that can detect the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 26 as a start hole. For example, the first start hole 26 is connected to a ball passage that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board 20 (discharges it from the game board 20 to the outside), and the first start sensor SE1 is disposed in the ball passage. When the game ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1, the start condition of the first special game can be established and the payout condition of the prize ball is established. When the first start sensor SE1 detects game balls and the conditions for paying out prize balls are met, three game balls are awarded as prize balls.

The gaming machine 10 is provided with a second start hole 27 as a start hole. The second start hole 27 is located in the lower right of the center frame 23 in the game area 21. The gaming machine 10 is provided with a second start sensor SE2 (shown in FIG. 7) that detects a game ball that has entered the second start hole 27. The second start sensor SE2 realizes a function as a start ball entry detection means capable of detecting the entry of a game ball into the second start hole 27 as a start hole. For example, a ball passage that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board 20 is connected to the second start hole 27, and the second start sensor SE2 is disposed in the ball passage. When the game ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2, the start condition of the second special game may be established and the payout condition of the prize ball is established. When the game ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2 and the payout condition of the prize ball is established, one game ball is awarded as a prize ball. The second starting hole 27 has a first variable member 28 as an opening/closing member. The first variable member 28 can be operated between an open state in which it is easy or possible to insert a game ball into the second starting hole 27, and a closed state in which it is difficult (or impossible) to insert a game ball into the second starting hole 27. The first variable member 28 operates by receiving power from a first actuator A1 (shown in FIG. 7). Hereinafter, the open state of the first variable member 28 may be referred to as "the second starting hole 27 is opened," and the closed state of the first variable member 28 may be referred to as "the second starting hole 27 is closed." As described above, the gaming machine 10 has a starting hole through which a game ball can be inserted. There are a first starting hole and a second starting hole. The special games as variable games include a first special game as a first variable game that can be executed when a game ball enters a first starting hole, and a second special game as a second variable game that can be executed when a game ball enters a second starting hole.

The gaming machine 10 is provided with a first large prize opening 29. The first large prize opening 29 is located to the right of the center frame 23 in the gaming area 21. The gaming machine 10 is provided with a first count sensor SE3 (shown in FIG. 7) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the first large prize opening 29. For example, a ball passage that leads the entered gaming ball to the back side of the gaming board 20 is connected to the first large prize opening 29, and the first count sensor SE3 is disposed in the ball passage. When the gaming ball is detected by the first count sensor SE3, the payout condition for the prize ball is established. When the gaming ball is detected by the first count sensor SE3 and the payout condition for the prize ball is established, 10 gaming balls are awarded as prize balls. The first large prize opening 29 has a second variable member 30. The second variable member 30 can be operated in an open state in which the game ball can enter the first large prize opening 29, and in a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the first large prize opening 29. The second variable member 30 operates by receiving power from a second actuator A2 (shown in FIG. 7). When the second variable member 30 is in the open state, the game ball is allowed to enter the first large prize opening 29. When the second variable member 30 is in the closed state, the game ball is not allowed to enter the first large prize opening 29. Hereinafter, the open state of the second variable member 30 may be referred to as "the first large prize opening 29 is opened," and the closed state of the second variable member 30 may be referred to as "the first large prize opening 29 is closed."

The gaming machine 10 is provided with a second large prize opening 31. The second large prize opening 31 is located in the lower right of the center frame 23 in the gaming area 21. The gaming machine 10 is provided with a second count sensor SE4 (shown in FIG. 7) that detects a game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 31. For example, a ball passage that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the gaming board 20 is connected to the second large prize opening 31, and the second count sensor SE4 is disposed in the ball passage. When the game ball is detected by the second count sensor SE4, the payout condition of the prize ball is established. When the game ball is detected by the second count sensor SE4 and the payout condition of the prize ball is established, 10 game balls are awarded as prize balls. The second large prize opening 31 has a third variable member 32. The third variable member 32 can be operated between an open state in which the game ball can enter the second large winning opening 31 and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the second large winning opening 31. The third variable member 32 operates by receiving power from a third actuator A3 (shown in FIG. 7). When the third variable member 32 is in the open state, the game ball is allowed to enter the second large winning opening 31. When the third variable member 32 is in the closed state, the game ball is not allowed to enter the second large winning opening 31. Hereinafter, the open state of the third variable member 32 may be referred to as "the second large winning opening 31 is opened," and the closed state of the third variable member 32 may be referred to as "the second large winning opening 31 is closed."

The gaming machine 10 is provided with a gate 33. The gate 33 is located to the right of the center frame 23 in the gaming area 21. The gate 33 has a gate opening that is always open so that gaming balls can enter the gate. A gate sensor SE5 (shown in FIG. 7) that detects the game balls that enter and pass through the gate opening is arranged. When the game ball is detected by the gate sensor SE5, the start condition of the normal game can be established. In this embodiment, when the game is in a waiting state for the occurrence of a jackpot game, which corresponds to a waiting state for the award, the start condition for the occurrence of the jackpot game is established upon the detection of the game ball by the gate sensor SE5, and the jackpot game is generated. In this embodiment, the gate 33 functions as a starting ball entry port through which the game ball can enter. It is not necessary to configure the game ball that enters the gate 33 to pass through the gate 33. For example, the game ball that enters the gate 33 may pass through a ball passage that leads to the back side of the game board 20 and be discharged from the game board 20 to the outside.

The gaming machine 10 is provided with a first general winning opening 34 as a general winning opening. The first general winning opening 34 is located at the lower left of the center frame 23 in the game area 21. The first general winning opening 34 is always open so that a game ball can be entered. The gaming machine 10 is provided with a first general sensor SE6 (shown in FIG. 7) that detects a game ball that has entered the first general winning opening 34. The first general sensor SE6 realizes the function of a general winning ball detection means that can detect the entry of a game ball into the first general winning opening 34 as a general winning opening. For example, a ball passage that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board 20 (discharges it from the game board 20 to the outside) is connected to the first general winning opening 34, and the first general sensor SE6 is arranged in the ball passage. When the game ball is detected by the first general sensor SE6, the payout condition of the prize ball is established. When game balls are detected by the first general sensor SE6 and the conditions for paying out prize balls are met, eight game balls are awarded as prize balls.

The gaming machine 10 is provided with a second general winning opening 35 as a general winning opening. The second general winning opening 35 is located in the lower right of the center frame 23 in the gaming area 21. The second general winning opening 35 is always open so that a game ball can be entered. The gaming machine 10 is provided with a second general sensor SE7 (shown in FIG. 7) that detects a game ball that has entered the second general winning opening 35. The second general sensor SE7 realizes the function of a general winning ball detection means that can detect the entry of a game ball into the second general winning opening 35 as a general winning opening. For example, the second general winning opening 35 is connected to a ball passage that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board 20 (discharges it from the game board 20 to the outside), and the second general sensor SE7 is arranged in the ball passage. When the game ball is detected by the second general sensor SE7, the payout condition of the prize ball is established. When game balls are detected by the second general sensor SE7 and the conditions for paying out prize balls are met, eight game balls are awarded as prize balls.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with an outlet 36. In this embodiment, gaming balls that do not enter the starting holes 26, 27, the big prize holes 29, 31, or the general prize holes 34, 35 are discharged from the machine through the outlet 36. The gaming machine 10 is equipped with game components, such as nails (game nails) and windmills, that change the behavior of the gaming balls flowing down the gaming area 21.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a magnetic sensor ES2 capable of detecting magnetism. The magnetic sensor ES2 is disposed on the rear side of the gaming board 20. The magnetic sensor ES2 functions as a magnetic detection means capable of detecting magnetism.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a passage member 37 and a passage member 38. The passage member 37 and the passage member 38 are located in the lower right of the center frame 23 in the game area 21. The second starting hole 27 is located in the passage member 37. The first variable member 28 of the second starting hole 27 is a member that constitutes the upper surface of the passage member 37. The second large winning hole 31 is located in the passage member 37. The third variable member 32 of the second large winning hole 31 is a member that constitutes the upper surface of the passage member 37. In the game area 21, the passage member 37 and the passage member 38 form a flow-down passage 39 through which the game balls can flow down. In the flow-down passage 39, the second starting hole 27 is located upstream of the second large winning hole 31. In the flow-down passage 39, all game balls that do not enter the second starting hole 27 are guided to the second large winning hole 31. If a game ball enters through the ball inlet 39a at the most upstream part of the flow passage 39 and does not enter either the second starting hole 27 or the second large winning hole 31, the game ball that entered through the ball inlet 39a is discharged from the discharge hole 39b at the most downstream part of the flow passage 39.

The passage member 38 has a plurality of first protrusions 38a on the underside of the passage member 38 at a location that forms the flow-down passage 39 with the first variable member 28 of the second starting port 27. When a game ball flowing down (passing) the flow-down passage 39 collides with the first protrusions 38a, the flow-down speed of the game ball decreases. In other words, the first protrusions 38a have the function of suppressing the flow-down speed of the game ball flowing down the upper surface of the first variable member 28 of the second starting port 27. The passage member 38 has a plurality of second protrusions 38b on the underside of the passage member 38 at a location that forms the flow-down passage 39 with the third variable member 32 of the second large winning port 31. When a game ball flowing down the flow-down passage 39 collides with the second protrusions 38b, the flow-down speed of the game ball decreases. That is, the second protrusion 38b has the function of suppressing the flow speed of the game ball flowing down the upper surface of the third variable member 32 of the second large prize opening 31.

Next, the launching device 70 serving as the launching mechanism will be described.
As shown in Fig. 3, the launching device 70 includes a ball sending mechanism 71 and a launching mechanism 72. The game balls stored in the upper tray UZ are guided to a waiting position W1 by a ball guide path in the upper tray UZ. The game balls guided to the waiting position W1 are sent to a launching position W2 in the launching mechanism 72 by the operation of the ball sending mechanism 71. The ball sending mechanism 71 operates by receiving power from a ball sending actuator 71a (shown in Fig. 7). By the operation of the ball sending mechanism 71, one game ball is sent to the launching position W2.

The launch mechanism 72 includes a hammer portion 72a as a hammer. The hammer portion 72a can be operated in a pre-launch state in which the game ball is not in contact with the hammer portion 72a when the game ball is located at the launch position W2, and a post-launch state in which the game ball is in contact with the hammer portion 72a when the game ball is located at the launch position W2. In FIG. 3, the hammer portion 72a in the pre-launch state is shown by a solid line, and the hammer portion 72a in the post-launch state is shown by a two-dot chain line. The hammer portion 72a operates by receiving power from a hammer actuator 72b (shown in FIG. 7). The launch mechanism 72 includes a launch rail 72c. When the game ball at the launch position W2 is launched by being shot out by the operation of the hammer portion 72a, the game ball is guided to the guide passage 21a by the launch rail 72c.

Next, the path along which the gaming ball flows in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The gaming machine 10 has a plurality of paths through which the gaming balls flow down in the gaming area 21 according to the launch strength of the gaming balls. The paths through which the gaming balls flow down can also be understood as the areas through which the gaming balls flow down. The plurality of paths include a first path R1 that passes through the left side of the center frame 23 to the outlet 36, and a second path R2 that passes through the right side of the center frame 23 to the outlet 36. The first path R1 and the second path R2 may overlap in part or may not overlap in whole. Hereinafter, the area located to the left of the center line CL that divides the gaming area 21 into left and right halves when the gaming board 20 is viewed from the front is referred to as the left area RA1, and the area located to the right of the center line CL is referred to as the right area RA2. The left area RA1 and the right area RA2 are at least partially different from each other. The route flowing down the left side area RA1 corresponds to the first route R1, and the route flowing down the right side area RA2 corresponds to the second route R2.

The player can then operate the launch handle 16 to adjust the launch strength of the game ball, thereby hitting the game ball into the left area RA1 or the right area RA2, and making the game ball enter the start hole 26, 27, the big prize hole 29, 31, the gate 33, or the general prize hole 34, 35. Specifically, when the game ball is launched with the launch strength adjusted to be weak (a so-called left hit), the game ball is likely to be guided down to the left area RA1 and may enter the first start hole 26 or the first general prize hole 34. On the other hand, when the game ball is launched with the launch strength adjusted to be strong (a so-called right hit), the game ball is likely to be guided down to the right area RA2 and may enter the second start hole 27, the big prize hole 29, 31, the gate 33, or the second general prize hole 35. That is, the first route R1 includes the first start gate 26 and the first general winning gate 34, and the second route R2 includes the second start gate 27, the large winning gates 29 and 31, the gate 33, and the second general winning gate 35.

When flowing down the first route R1, the game ball is less likely to enter the second start port 27, the large prize port 29, 31, the gate 33, or the second general prize port 35, compared to when flowing down the second route R2. When flowing down the second route R2, the game ball is less likely to enter the first start port 26 or the first general prize port 34, compared to when flowing down the first route R1. In the right area RA2, the second start port 27, the large prize port 29, 31, the gate 33, and the second general prize port 35 are arranged in the following order from the upstream side: gate 33, first large prize port 29, second general prize port 35, second start port 27, second large prize port 31. Hereinafter, launching a game ball so that it flows down the first path R1 may be referred to as a "left hit," and launching a game ball so that it flows down the second path R2 may be referred to as a "right hit." In this embodiment, the left side area RA1 corresponds to the non-specific area, and the right side area RA2 corresponds to the specific area. In this embodiment, the right hit notification lamp 22g functions as a specific area light-emitting means that can be lit when the area in which it is recommended to launch the game ball is the specific area.

Next, the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 will be described.
The gaming machine 10 has a low probability state and a high probability state as gaming states with different jackpot probabilities. The jackpot probability is the probability of winning a jackpot in a jackpot lottery performed as an internal lottery. The high probability state is a gaming state in which the jackpot probability is higher than that in the low probability state. The high probability state is a so-called "probability variable state (probability variable state)". The low probability state is a so-called "non-probability variable state (non-probability variable state)". The probability variable state has a higher probability of winning a jackpot in a jackpot lottery than that in the non-probability variable state. Incidentally, in the gaming machine 10, the winning probability of the jackpot lottery differs depending on whether it is in the low probability state or the high probability state, but the winning probability of the jackpot lottery does not differ depending on the type of starting hole into which the ball is inserted. In the gaming machine 10, the winning probability of the small jackpot lottery does not differ depending on whether it is in the low probability state or the high probability state. In this way, the gaming machine 10 is configured to be controllable to either a non-probability-changing state or a probability-changing state.

The gaming machine 10 has a non-variable shortening state and a variable shortening state as game states in which the variable time of at least the second special game of the first special game and the second special game is different. The variable shortening state is a game state in which the variable time of at least the second special game of the first special game and the second special game is shorter (or tends to be shorter) than in the non-variable shortening state. Note that "the variable time of the second special game is shorter (or tends to be shorter)" does not necessarily mean that the variable time of the second special game is always shorter, but may be shorter or longer, and it is intended that the average time of the variable time of the second special game is shorter. Incidentally, in the gaming machine 10, when in the variable shortening state, the variable time of both the first special game and the second special game is shorter (or tends to be shorter) than in the non-variable shortening state. In the gaming machine 10, the variable time of the second special game when controlled to the non-variable shortening state exceeds a predetermined variable time (for example, 4 minutes or 8 minutes). Specifically, the fluctuation time of the second special game when controlled to the non-variation shortening state is 10 minutes at least in the case of a small win and a miss. For example, the fluctuation time of the second special game when controlled to the non-variation shortening state may be set not to exceed a predetermined fluctuation time (e.g., 1 minute) only in the case of a big win. On the other hand, the fluctuation time of the second special game when controlled to the variation shortening state does not exceed the predetermined fluctuation time. In this way, the gaming machine 10 is configured to be controllable to either the non-variation shortening state or the variation shortening state.

The gaming machine 10 has a non-open extended state and an open extended state, which are game states in which the opening time of the first variable member 28 when a normal winning game occurs is different. The open extended state is a game state in which the opening time of the first variable member 28 is longer when a normal winning game occurs than the non-open extended state. In the open extended state, the advantage of the game ball entering the second starting hole 27 is higher than the non-open extended state. In other words, the open extended state is higher in the advantage of opening and closing the first variable member 28 than the non-open extended state. Incidentally, as a method for varying the opening time of the first variable member 28 when a normal winning game occurs, there are a method for varying the number of times the first variable member 28 is in the open state in one normal winning game, a method for varying the opening time when the first variable member 28 is in the open state, and a method for varying the total opening time when the first variable member 28 is in the open state in one normal winning game.

In addition, the game state may be configured to be controllable to have different winning probabilities in the normal winning lottery. For example, a high normal winning probability state and a low normal winning probability state may be configured to be controllable game states, and the high normal winning probability state may be configured to be a game state in which the probability of winning a normal winning lottery is higher than the low normal winning probability state. Also, it may be configured to be controlled to the high normal winning probability state when controlled to the open extended state, and to be controlled to the low normal winning probability state when controlled to the non-open extended state. Also, the game state may be configured to be controllable to have different fluctuation times in the normal game. For example, the normal shortened state and the non-normal shortened state may be configured to be controllable game states, and the normal shortened state may be configured to be a game state in which the fluctuation time of the normal game is more likely to be shorter than the non-normal shortened state. Note that "the fluctuation time of the normal game is more likely to be shorter" does not necessarily mean that the fluctuation time of the normal game is always short, but may be shorter or longer, and it is intended to mean that the average fluctuation time of the normal game is shorter.

The game states controlled in the gaming machine 10 include "low probability state, non-variable shortening state, non-opening extended state", "low probability state, variable shortening state, open extended state", "high probability state, variable shortening state, open extended state", and "high probability state, variable shortening state, non-opening extended state". Hereinafter, "game state controlled to low probability state, non-variable shortening state, non-opening extended state" may be referred to as "normal low probability state", and "game state controlled to low probability state, variable shortening state, open extended state" may be referred to as "specific low probability state". In addition, "game state controlled to high probability state, variable shortening state, open extended state" may be referred to as "specific high probability state", and "game state controlled to high probability state, variable shortening state, non-opening extended state" may be referred to as "special state". The special state is also called small hit rush (RUSH) or small hit rush state.

Next, a jackpot in the gaming machine 10 will be described.
The gaming machine 10 has a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. The plurality of types of jackpot symbols are classified into a first jackpot symbol and a second jackpot symbol. A type of jackpot is determined for each of the plurality of types of jackpot symbols. Specifically, a first jackpot symbol is determined for a first jackpot symbol, and a second jackpot symbol is determined for a second jackpot symbol. Hereinafter, a jackpot game based on a first jackpot may be referred to as a "first jackpot game," and a jackpot game based on a second jackpot may be referred to as a "second jackpot game."

In the jackpot game, first, an opening performance is performed for a predetermined opening period to notify the start of the jackpot game. In the jackpot game, after the opening performance ends, a round game is performed in which the first large prize winning hole 29 is opened. The round game is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. In one round game, the first large prize winning hole 29 is open until the first open game ending condition, in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter, or the second open game ending condition, in which a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed, is met. In the round game, a round performance is performed. Then, in the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, an ending performance is performed for a predetermined ending period to notify the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game ends with the end of the ending performance. Incidentally, the jackpot game is awarded (occurs) when the special game is not being executed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the number of rounds of play (shown as the number of rounds in FIG. 4) is set for each jackpot. Specifically, the number of rounds of play is set to "7 times" for the first and second jackpots. In addition, the game state after the jackpot game ends is set for each jackpot. Specifically, it is set that the game state after the jackpot game ends for the first and second jackpots is a specific high probability state. In this way, the first and second jackpot games correspond to specific jackpot games that can be controlled to a probability variable state after the jackpot game ends. That is, in this embodiment, the jackpot game includes a specific jackpot game that can be controlled to a probability variable state after the jackpot game ends.

For the first jackpot, it is stipulated that the open extended state is set up to the end of 50 special games after the jackpot game ends. For the second jackpot, it is stipulated that the open extended state is set up to the end of 100 special games after the jackpot game ends. Incidentally, in this embodiment, when the high probability state is controlled after the jackpot game ends, the high probability state is controlled until the fall lottery, which is performed as an internal lottery, is won, or until the jackpot game occurs before the fall lottery is won. In the gaming machine 10, when the fall lottery is won, the high probability state ends and the state is controlled to the low probability state. The fall lottery is a lottery that is held separately from the jackpot lottery and the small jackpot lottery.

After the first jackpot game ends, if 50 special games have ended without a jackpot game being played, and the player has already won the fall lottery and is controlled to a low probability state, the player is controlled to a normal low probability state. On the other hand, after the first jackpot game ends, if 50 special games have ended without a jackpot game being played, and the player continues to be controlled to a high probability state without winning the fall lottery, the player is controlled to a special state. Similarly, after the second jackpot game ends, if 100 special games have ended without a jackpot game being played, and the player has already won the fall lottery and is controlled to a low probability state, the player is controlled to a normal low probability state. On the other hand, after the second jackpot game ends, if 100 special games have ended without a jackpot game being played, and the player continues to be controlled to a high probability state without winning the fall lottery, the player is controlled to a special state. In this way, the gaming machine 10 is controlled to a high probability state after the end of a jackpot game, and then continues to be controlled to the high probability state, and is controlled to an open extension state until the number of special games played without a jackpot game reaching a predetermined number (50 or 100 times). On the other hand, the gaming machine 10 is controlled to a high probability state after the end of a jackpot game, and then continues to be controlled to the high probability state, and is controlled to a non-open extension state after the number of special games played without a jackpot game reaching a predetermined number (50 or 100 times).

As described above, in the gaming machine 10, when it is controlled to a high probability state, it may be controlled to a special state. Incidentally, in the gaming machine 10, after it is controlled to a special state, the special state ends when an end condition for the special state is met. The end conditions for the special state include an end condition that is met when a jackpot lottery is won. The end conditions for the special state include an end condition that is met when a drop-out lottery is won.

Next, the small win in the gaming machine 10 will be described.
In a small win game, the second large winning opening 31 is opened, and a game ball is allowed to enter the second large winning opening 31. In a small win game, the second large winning opening 31 is opened in a predetermined opening mode. In a small win game, the second large winning opening 31 is opened in a predetermined opening mode until a first open game end condition in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enters, or a second open game end condition in which a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed, is met. For example, in a small win game, the second large winning opening 31 is opened in an opening mode in which the opening is opened for 0.6 seconds, closed for 0.5 seconds, and then the second large winning opening 31 is opened for 1.2 seconds. In this way, in a small win game, the second large winning opening 31 is opened at least once for a time that makes it easy to allow a game ball to enter the second large winning opening 31.

The display effects that the effect display device 25 can execute include an effect pattern change game (hereinafter referred to as an effect game) in which effect patterns (hereinafter referred to as effect patterns) are displayed in a variable manner in multiple rows, and the final combination of effect patterns is displayed as a fixed stop. In this way, the gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to execute an effect pattern change game using effect patterns. The effect patterns are patterns decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and are also called decorative patterns or ornamental patterns. The effect game is executed by displaying the first, second, and third pattern rows in a variable manner (scrolling display) vertically. The effect pattern in the first row is the first pattern, the effect pattern in the second row is the second pattern, and the effect pattern in the third row is the third pattern. Hereinafter, the first column will be referred to as the "left column" and the first symbol will be referred to as the "left symbol", the second column will be referred to as the "middle column" and the second symbol will be referred to as the "middle symbol", and the third column will be referred to as the "right column" and the third symbol will be referred to as the "right symbol". In this embodiment, in principle, in each column, performance symbols that resemble the numbers [1] to [8] are displayed in a predetermined order.

The presentation game is performed in conjunction with the special game. Specifically, the presentation game is started with the start of the special game and ended with the end of the special game. In this way, the gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to execute the presentation game during the execution of the special game. In the presentation game, a combination of presentation symbols corresponding to the special symbols that are fixedly displayed in the special game is derived. When a big win symbol is fixedly displayed in the special game, the big win symbol combination is fixedly displayed in the presentation game. For example, the big win symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the presentation symbols of all columns are the same, such as "777". When a small win symbol is fixedly displayed in the special game, the small win symbol combination is fixedly displayed in the presentation game. For example, the small win symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the presentation symbols of at least some columns are different from the presentation symbols of the other columns, such as [323] or [426]. When a losing symbol is fixedly displayed in the special game, the losing symbol combination is fixedly displayed in the presentation game. For example, a losing symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the performance symbols of at least some columns are different from the performance symbols of the other columns, such as "323". Incidentally, a small winning symbol combination may be a symbol combination that is partially or entirely common to the losing symbol combination. For example, when a symbol combination common to a small winning symbol combination and a losing symbol combination is displayed as a fixed stop in a performance game, it is difficult to determine whether it is a small winning symbol or a loss from the performance symbol. On the other hand, a small winning symbol combination may be a symbol combination different from the losing symbol combination. In a performance game, the performance symbol is displayed as a fixed stop before being displayed as a fixed stop. In this specification, "temporary stop display" means a state that indicates a state different from a fixed stop display, such as a "shaking state".

In a presentation game, the display mode of the presentation symbols may become a reach mode (a reach is formed) and a reach presentation may be performed. The reach mode is a state in which presentation symbols imitating the same numbers are temporarily displayed in a specific column (e.g., the left column and the right column) among multiple columns, and presentation symbols in a column other than the specific column (e.g., the middle column) are continuously displayed in a variable manner. There may be multiple types of reach presentations in which the characters that appear and the actions of the presentation symbols are different. The reach presentation is performed during the execution of a special game. The reach presentation includes a normal reach presentation and a super reach presentation that is performed after the start of a normal reach presentation. In this embodiment, when a super reach presentation is performed during the execution of a special game, the expectation of a jackpot is higher than when only a normal reach presentation is performed.

In the gaming machine 10, the effect display device 25 notifies the user that the execution of a special game is on hold. In the gaming machine 10, when the execution of a special game is on hold, the number of special games on hold (on hold special games) is notified.

As shown in FIG. 5, the effect display device 25 displays a reserved image Ha corresponding to the first special game on hold. The reserved image Ha corresponds to a reserved image corresponding to a variable game whose execution is on hold, and corresponds to a reserved image corresponding to the first variable game whose execution is on hold. In this embodiment, the reserved image Ha is a circular image. The reserved images Ha include reserved images H1a to H4a. In the gaming machine 10, when the first special reserved number is "1", the reserved image H1a of the reserved images H1a to H4a is displayed on the effect display device 25. In the gaming machine 10, when the first special reserved number is "2", the reserved images H1a and H2a of the reserved images H1a to H4a are displayed on the effect display device 25. In the gaming machine 10, when the first special reserved number is "3", the reserved images H1a to H3a of the reserved images H1a to H4a are displayed on the effect display device 25. In the gaming machine 10, when the first special reserved number is "4", the reserved images H1a to H4a are displayed on the effect display device 25. The hold image H1a is displayed in the hold display area R1a on the performance display device 25. The hold image H2a is displayed in the hold display area R2a on the performance display device 25. The hold image H3a is displayed in the hold display area R3a on the performance display device 25. The hold image H4a is displayed in the hold display area R4a on the performance display device 25. Note that when the first special hold number is "0", the hold images H1a to H4a are not displayed on the performance display device 25.

The reserved display area R1a displays a reserved image Ha corresponding to the first special game that is to be executed first among the reserved first special games. The reserved display area R2a displays a reserved image Ha corresponding to the first special game that is to be executed second among the reserved first special games. The reserved display area R3a displays a reserved image Ha corresponding to the first special game that is to be executed third among the reserved first special games. The reserved display area R4a displays a reserved image Ha corresponding to the first special game that is to be executed fourth among the reserved first special games. Therefore, the reserved display area R1a can be said to be a display area that can specify that the first special game corresponding to the displayed reserved image H1a is executed first. The reserved display area R2a can be said to be a display area that can specify that the first special game corresponding to the displayed reserved image H2a is executed second. The reserved display area R3a can be said to be a display area that can specify that the first special game corresponding to the displayed reserved image H3a is executed third. The reserved display area R4a can be said to be a display area that can specify that the first special game corresponding to the displayed reserved image H4a is executed fourth. As described above, the pending image Ha is displayed in a display area on the performance display device 25 that allows identification of the execution order in which the corresponding first special game will be executed.

The effect display device 25 displays a reserved image Hb corresponding to the second special game on hold. The reserved image Hb corresponds to a reserved image corresponding to a variable game whose execution is on hold, and corresponds to a reserved image corresponding to the second variable game whose execution is on hold. In this embodiment, the reserved image Hb is a diamond-shaped image. The reserved images Hb include reserved images H1b to H4b. In the gaming machine 10, when the second special reserved number is "1", the reserved image H1b of the reserved images H1b to H4b is displayed on the effect display device 25. In the gaming machine 10, when the second special reserved number is "2", the reserved images H1b and H2b of the reserved images H1b to H4b are displayed on the effect display device 25. In the gaming machine 10, when the second special reserved number is "3", the reserved images H1b to H3b of the reserved images H1b to H4b are displayed on the effect display device 25. In the gaming machine 10, when the second special reserved number is "4", the reserved images H1b to H4b are displayed on the effect display device 25. The hold image H1b is displayed in the hold display area R1b on the performance display device 25. The hold image H2b is displayed in the hold display area R2b on the performance display device 25. The hold image H3b is displayed in the hold display area R3b on the performance display device 25. The hold image H4b is displayed in the hold display area R4b on the performance display device 25. Note that when the second special hold number is "0", the hold images H1b to H4b are not displayed on the performance display device 25. In this embodiment, the performance display device 25, which can display at least one of the hold images Ha and Hb, realizes the function of hold display means capable of displaying a hold image corresponding to a variable game whose execution is on hold.

The reserved display area R1b displays a reserved image Hb corresponding to the second special game that is executed first among the reserved second special games. The reserved display area R2b displays a reserved image Hb corresponding to the second special game that is executed second among the reserved second special games. The reserved display area R3b displays a reserved image Hb corresponding to the second special game that is executed third among the reserved second special games. The reserved display area R4b displays a reserved image Hb corresponding to the second special game that is executed fourth among the reserved second special games. Therefore, the reserved display area R1b can be said to be a display area that can specify that the second special game corresponding to the displayed reserved image H1b is executed first. The reserved display area R2b can be said to be a display area that can specify that the second special game corresponding to the displayed reserved image H2b is executed second. The reserved display area R3b can be said to be a display area that can specify that the second special game corresponding to the displayed reserved image H3b is executed third. The reserved display area R4b can be said to be a display area that can specify that the second special game corresponding to the displayed reserved image H4b is executed fourth. As described above, the pending image Hb is displayed in a display area on the performance display device 25 that allows identification of the execution order in which the corresponding second special game will be executed.

In the gaming machine 10, an active image ZGa corresponding to the first special game being executed is displayed in the active area ZRa in the performance display device 25. The active image ZGa corresponds to an active image corresponding to the variable game being executed. When the first special game is executed, an active image ZGa based on the pending image Ha displayed when the active first special game was pending is displayed in the active area ZRa. Specifically, the pending image H1a displayed in the pending display area R1a immediately before the execution of the first special game is displayed as the active image ZGa in the active area ZRa. Therefore, when the first special game is executed, a circular active image ZGa is displayed in the active area ZRa. The active image ZGa is larger than the pending image Ha. Therefore, when the pending image H1a is displayed as the active image ZGa, the pending image H1a is enlarged and displayed as the active image ZGa. Incidentally, even if the first special reserved number is 0, if a game ball enters the first starting hole 26, the execution of the first special game is temporarily suspended, and the reserved image Ha is displayed on the performance display device 25. In this case, the reserved image Ha is temporarily displayed on the performance display device 25, and the reserved image Ha is displayed in the execution area ZRa of the performance display device 25 as an execution image ZGa.

In the gaming machine 10, an active image ZGb corresponding to the second special game being executed is displayed in the active area ZRb in the performance display device 25. The active image ZGb corresponds to an active image corresponding to the variable game being executed. When the second special game is executed, an active image ZGb based on the reserved image Hb displayed when the second special game being executed was reserved is displayed in the active area ZRb. Specifically, the reserved image H1b displayed in the reserved display area R1b immediately before the execution of the second special game is displayed as the active image ZGb in the active area ZRb. Therefore, when the second special game is executed, a diamond-shaped active image ZGb is displayed in the active area ZRb. The active image ZGb is larger than the reserved image Hb. Therefore, when the reserved image H1b is displayed as the active image ZGb, the reserved image H1b is enlarged and displayed as the active image ZGb. Incidentally, even if the second special reserved number is 0, if a game ball enters the second starting hole 27, the execution of the second special game is temporarily suspended, and the reserved image Hb is displayed on the performance display device 25. In this case, the reserved image Hb is temporarily displayed on the performance display device 25, and the reserved image Hb is displayed as an execution image ZGb in the execution area ZRb of the performance display device 25. In the embodiment, the performance display device 25 capable of displaying the execution images ZGa and ZGb realizes the function as an execution display means capable of displaying an execution image corresponding to the variable game being executed.

When the first special game is started in the gaming machine 10, the reserved image H1a that was displayed in the reserved display area R1a is displayed in the reserved display area ZRa as a reserved image ZGa. When the first special game is started in the gaming machine 10, the reserved image H2a that was displayed in the reserved display area R2a is displayed in the reserved display area R1a as a reserved image H1a. When the first special game is started in the gaming machine 10, the reserved image H3a that was displayed in the reserved display area R3a is displayed in the reserved display area R2a as a reserved image H2a. When the first special game is started in the gaming machine 10, the reserved image H4a that was displayed in the reserved display area R4a is displayed in the reserved display area R3a as a reserved image H3a.

Similarly, in the gaming machine 10, when the execution of the second special game is started, the reserved image H1b displayed in the reserved display area R1b is displayed in the reserved display area ZRb as the in-play image ZGb. In the gaming machine 10, when the execution of the second special game is started, the reserved image H2b displayed in the reserved display area R2b is displayed in the reserved display area R1b as the reserved image H1b. In the gaming machine 10, when the execution of the second special game is started, the reserved image H3b displayed in the reserved display area R3b is displayed in the reserved display area R2b as the reserved image H2b. In the gaming machine 10, when the execution of the second special game is started, the reserved image H4b displayed in the reserved display area R4b is displayed in the reserved display area R3b as the reserved image H3b.

In the gaming machine 10, effects related to the strength of the launch of the gaming ball are executed by the effect display device 25. Specifically, in the gaming machine 10, the effects related to the strength of the launch of the gaming ball include a right-hit notification effect that encourages right-hitting, and a left-hit notification effect that encourages left-hitting.

As shown in FIG. 6(a), for example, in the gaming machine 10, an image YG1 resembling a right-facing arrow and text information MJ1 saying "right hit" are displayed on the effect display device 25, and a right hit notification effect is executed. In this embodiment, the right hit notification effect corresponds to a specific area effect that encourages the launch of a gaming ball into a specific area. In this way, the specific area effect is one of the effects that can be executed by the effect display device 25 as an effect execution means.

The right-hit notification effect is executed in a situation where a right hit is recommended. For example, the right-hit notification effect is executed when the variation shortening state is in effect. For example, the right-hit notification effect is executed when a big win game has been awarded. For example, the right-hit notification effect is executed when a small win game has been awarded. For example, the right-hit notification effect is executed when the big win game is waiting to occur. The right-hit notification effect may be configured to continue to be executed until the end condition of the right-hit notification effect is met. The end condition of the right-hit notification effect may be met, for example, when a predetermined presentation time has elapsed.

As shown in FIG. 6(b), for example, in the gaming machine 10, an image YG2 resembling a left-facing arrow and text information MJ2 stating "Please return to left hit" are displayed on the effect display device 25, and a left-hit notification effect is executed. In this embodiment, the left-hit notification effect corresponds to a non-specific area effect that encourages the launch of the gaming ball into a non-specific area. In this way, the non-specific area effect is one of the effects that can be executed by the effect display device 25 as an effect execution means.

The left-hit notification effect is executed in a situation where a left hit is recommended. For example, the left-hit notification effect is executed when the non-variable shortening state is in effect. For example, the left-hit notification effect may be configured to be executed when the variable shortening state ends and switches to the non-variable shortening state when a jackpot game is not awarded. For example, the left-hit notification effect may be configured to be executed when it is determined that a right hit is being made in a situation where a left hit is recommended. At this time, for example, it may be determined that a right hit is being made when the game ball enters the gate 33. The left-hit notification effect may be configured to continue to be executed until the end condition of the left-hit notification effect is met. The end condition of the left-hit notification effect may be met, for example, when a predetermined presentation time has elapsed, or when at least one of a jackpot game and a small jackpot game is awarded.

Here, the change in the number of balls possessed with respect to the playing time in each playing state in the gaming machine 10 will be described.
In the gaming machine 10, if a game ball is inserted into the second starting hole 27, even if it does not result in a big win, there is a high probability of a small win. Therefore, if a right hit is made, a game ball can be inserted into the gate 33 and into the second starting hole 27, so that a small win lottery is generated and a chance to win a prize ball is generated. However, since the fluctuation time of the second special game in the non-variable shortening state is significantly longer than the fluctuation time of the second special game in the variable shortening state, the time until a small win game is actually generated and a chance to win a prize ball arrives is also significantly longer. In this embodiment, after about 10 minutes have passed since the game ball is inserted into the second starting hole 27 and the execution of the second special game is started, the second big winning hole 31 is finally opened. And, when a right hit is made in the non-variable shortening state, the number of game balls consumed per unit of time (the number of game balls launched) exceeds the number of game balls that can be won per unit of time. Furthermore, when hitting from the right, the game ball does not enter the first starting hole 26, so the number of special games executed per unit of time is significantly reduced. Therefore, when in the non-variable shortening state, hitting from the left is preferable. On the other hand, when in the variable shortening state, the variable time of the second special game is shorter than when in the non-variable shortening state. As a result, when in the variable shortening state, the number of small wins per unit of time is more likely to be greater than when in the non-variable shortening state. Therefore, when in the variable shortening state, hitting from the right is preferable.

Incidentally, in the gaming machine 10, the second starting port 27 is provided upstream of the second large winning port 31 in the flow passage 39. In addition, in the gaming machine 10, when the open extension state is in place, many of the game balls that enter through the ball entry port 39a enter the second starting port 27, and even if a small win occurs, the game balls are unlikely to enter the second large winning port 31. In particular, even if the second starting port 27 is closed, the flow speed of the game balls flowing down the flow passage 39 is reduced by the first protrusion 38a, so that even if a game ball enters the ball entry port 39a when the second starting port 27 is closed, it is more likely to enter the second starting port 27. On the other hand, in the gaming machine 10, when the non-open extended state is compared to when the open extended state, it is more likely that among the gaming balls that enter through the ball entry port 39a, there will be more that enter the second large winning port 31 without entering the second starting port 27. In particular, even if the second large winning port 31 is closed, the second protrusion 38b reduces the flow speed of the gaming balls flowing down the flow passage 39, increasing the possibility that the gaming balls that did not enter the second starting port 27 will enter the second large winning port 31.

And according to gaming machine 10, when controlled to a special state, the number of small wins per unit time increases, so that the number of game balls that can be acquired per unit of time is greater than the number of game balls consumed per unit of time. In this way, when gaming machine 10 is controlled to a special state, if you hit the right side, even if a big win game does not occur, it is possible to increase the number of game balls (held balls) that you have by hitting the right side and causing a small win game. Note that "held balls" are sometimes referred to as "held balls."

When the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the normal low probability state, it is preferable to hit with the left, so it is assumed that the balls will be hit with the left. However, when the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the normal low probability state, the number of balls held cannot be increased even if the balls are hit with the left, and the number of balls held will decrease as the game continues. Also, when the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the specific low probability state or specific high probability state, it is preferable to hit with the right, so it is assumed that the balls will be hit with the right. However, when the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the specific low probability state or specific high probability state, the number of balls held cannot be increased even if the balls are hit with the right, and the number of balls held will decrease as the game continues. However, when the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the specific low probability state or specific high probability state, it is easy to enter the second starting hole 27 by hitting with the right, so the decrease in the number of balls held when the game continues is suppressed compared to when the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the normal low probability state.

On the other hand, when the machine is controlled to a special state, it is preferable to hit the ball from the right, so it is assumed that the ball will be hit from the right. When the machine is controlled to a special state, hitting the ball from the right increases the chances of a small win occurring per unit of time and a game ball entering the second large winning hole 31, so the number of balls held can be increased, and the more the game continues, the more balls held. In this way, in a special state, the number of times that a small win is won per unit of time increases, so the number of balls held can be increased. In this way, the gaming machine 10 is configured to be controllable to a special state in which the number of times that a small win is won per unit of time increases, so that the number of balls held can be increased. When the gaming machine 10 is controlled to a special state, it is possible to expect a big win, while also expecting that the period controlled to the special state will be longer. In the gaming machine 10, if the player wins the fall lottery while the machine is controlled to a special state, the special state ends, so the player can expect that the period controlled to the special state will be longer without winning the fall lottery. Incidentally, in the gaming machine 10, the number of balls held can be increased by an average of 1,500 from the time control is entered into the special state until the special state ends. Also, in the gaming machine 10, the number of balls held can be increased by an average of 700 during each of the first and second jackpot games. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, the expected value for the increase in the number of balls held is higher from the start of the special state until the end of the special state than during a single jackpot game.

In the gaming machine 10, a state controlled to any of the specific low probability state, specific high probability state, and special state corresponds to a state in which right hitting is recommended. In the gaming machine 10, a state controlled to the normal low probability state corresponds to a state in which right hitting is not recommended. However, in the gaming machine 10, a state in which a jackpot game is waiting to occur corresponds to a state in which right hitting is recommended. In the gaming machine 10, when a jackpot game has been awarded, it corresponds to a state in which right hitting is recommended. In the gaming machine 10, when a small jackpot game has been awarded, it corresponds to a state in which right hitting is recommended.

Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, the gaming machine 10 includes a main board 40 as a main control unit. The main board 40 performs various processes and outputs control information such as a control signal (control command) according to the results of the processes. The gaming machine 10 includes a sub-board 50 as a sub-control unit. The sub-board 50 performs a predetermined process based on the control information output by the main board 40. For example, the sub-board 50 performs a process for executing a light-emitting effect by the decorative lamp 17, a sound effect by the speaker 18, and a display effect by the effect display device 25. The main board 40 and the sub-board 50 are disposed on the back side of the gaming board 20. The gaming board unit includes the main board 40 and the sub-board 50. The main board 40 is connected to the sub-board 50. The gaming machine 10 includes a power supply unit 60. The power supply unit 60 is a unit that supplies power to the main board 40, the sub-board 50, and the launching device 70 by switching a power switch 61 to an on state. The gaming machine 10 is powered on by switching the power switch 61 to an on state. The gaming machine 10 includes a launching device 70. The launching device 70 is connected to the main board 40.

First, the main board 40 will be described.
The main board 40 includes a main CPU 41, a main ROM 42, and a main RAM 43. The main board 40 also includes a clear switch 45. The main CPU 41 executes its own control program (main control program) to perform various types of processing.

The main ROM 42 stores the main control program, the lottery table and the judgment value used in a predetermined lottery. For example, the main ROM 42 stores the jackpot judgment value used in the jackpot lottery. The jackpot judgment value includes a high probability jackpot judgment value and a common jackpot judgment value. In the gaming machine 10, in the jackpot lottery when the probability is low, only the common jackpot judgment value out of the common jackpot judgment value and the high probability jackpot judgment value is used, while in the jackpot lottery when the probability is high, both the common jackpot judgment value and the high probability jackpot judgment value are used. The main ROM 42 stores the fall judgment value used in the fall lottery. The main ROM 42 stores the performance judgment value used in the performance lottery. In the performance lottery, a decision is made as to whether to execute a reach performance. For this reason, the performance lottery can also be called a reach lottery.

In addition, for example, the main ROM 42 stores a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns. The plurality of types of fluctuation patterns are associated with a fluctuation time (special game fluctuation time) from the start of the special game to the end of the special game. There are fluctuation patterns that can be determined in a fluctuation shortening state and fluctuation patterns that can be determined in a non-fluctuation shortening state. The fluctuation patterns that can be determined in a fluctuation shortening state and the fluctuation patterns that can be determined in a non-fluctuation shortening state are partially or entirely different. The fluctuation time determined in a fluctuation shortening state is shorter (or is often shorter) than the fluctuation time determined in a fluctuation pattern that can be determined in a non-fluctuation shortening state. In the gaming machine 10, a fluctuation shortening state is realized by determining a fluctuation pattern from a fluctuation pattern table in which one or more fluctuation patterns that can be determined in a fluctuation shortening state are defined. Similarly, in the gaming machine 10, a non-fluctuation shortening state is realized by determining a fluctuation pattern from a fluctuation pattern table in which one or more fluctuation patterns that can be determined in a non-fluctuation shortening state are defined.

The variation patterns include a variation pattern for the first special game that can be determined when the first special game is executed, and a variation pattern for the second special game that can be determined when the second special game is executed. The variation pattern for the first special game and the variation pattern for the second special game are partially or entirely different. The variation pattern may be information that can identify part or all of the presentation content of the presentation game that is performed from the start of the special game to the end of the special game. The variation patterns include, for example, a big win variation pattern, a small win variation pattern, and a miss variation pattern. It is preferable that the big win variation pattern that can be determined when a big win is won is different from the small win variation pattern that can be determined when a small win is won and the miss variation pattern that can be determined in the case of a miss. On the other hand, the small win variation pattern and the miss variation pattern may be partially or entirely common.

As described above, there are the jackpot fluctuation pattern for the first special game when in the non-variable shortening state, the jackpot fluctuation pattern for the first special game when in the variable shortening state, the jackpot fluctuation pattern for the second special game when in the non-variable shortening state, and the jackpot fluctuation pattern for the second special game when in the variable shortening state. There are the small jackpot fluctuation pattern for the first special game when in the non-variable shortening state, the small jackpot fluctuation pattern for the first special game when in the variable shortening state, the small jackpot fluctuation pattern for the second special game when in the non-variable shortening state, and the small jackpot fluctuation pattern for the second special game when in the variable shortening state. There are the miss fluctuation pattern for the first special game when in the non-variable shortening state, the miss fluctuation pattern for the first special game when in the variable shortening state, the miss fluctuation pattern for the second special game when in the non-variable shortening state, and the miss fluctuation pattern for the second special game when in the variable shortening state.

The main RAM 43 is configured to be capable of storing various information that is appropriately rewritten during operation of the gaming machine 10. Information stored in the main RAM 43 includes, for example, flags, counters, and timers. The main board 40 is configured to be capable of generating random numbers. For example, the random numbers may be hardware random numbers or software random numbers. The main CPU 41 is configured to be capable of inputting an operation signal that is output when the clear switch 45 is operated to the on state.

Various sensors SE1 to SE7, ES1, and ES2 are connected to the main board 40. The main CPU 41 is configured to be able to input detection signals output by the various sensors SE1 to SE7, ES1, and ES2 via a port. The information display panel 22 is connected to the main board 40. The main CPU 41 is able to control the display content of the information display panel 22 via a drive circuit. Various actuators A1 to A3 are connected to the main board 40. The main CPU 41 is able to control the operation of the first actuator A1, the second actuator A2, and the third actuator A3 via a drive circuit.

Next, the sub-substrate 50 will be described.
The sub-board 50 includes a sub-CPU 51, a sub-ROM 52, and a sub-RAM 53. For example, the sub-CPU 51 executes a control program (sub-control program) of the sub-CPU 51 to perform various processes (for example, processes related to presentation). The sub-ROM 52 stores the sub-control program, a lottery table used in the lottery, and a judgment value. The sub-ROM 52 stores display presentation data that can specify the mode (contents) of the display presentation. The sub-ROM 52 stores light-emitting presentation data that can specify the mode (contents) of the light-emitting presentation. The sub-ROM 52 stores sound presentation data that can specify the mode (contents) of the sound presentation. The sub-RAM 53 is configured to store various information that is appropriately rewritten during the operation of the gaming machine 10. The information stored in the sub-RAM 53 includes, for example, a flag, a counter, and a timer. The sub-board 50 is configured to generate random numbers. For example, the random numbers may be hardware random numbers or software random numbers.

The decorative lamps 17, the speaker 18, and the performance display device 25 are connected to the sub-substrate 50. The sub-CPU 51 is capable of controlling the decorative lamps 17, the speaker 18, and the performance display device 25 via a drive circuit. In this embodiment, the sub-CPU 51 controls the performance devices among the decorative lamps 17, the speaker 18, and the performance display device 25 that serve as performance execution means, thereby realizing a function as a performance control means capable of controlling the performance execution means. The performance actuator EA is connected to the sub-substrate 50. The sub-CPU 51 is capable of controlling the operation of the performance actuator EA via a drive circuit. The original position sensor GS is connected to the sub-substrate 50. The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to input the detection signal output by the original position sensor GS via a port.

Next, the power supply unit 60 will be described.
The power supply unit 60 converts a power supply voltage supplied from an external power source such as an amusement center into a power supply voltage to be supplied to each of the boards 40, 50 and the launching device 70. The power supply unit 60 supplies power to each of the boards 40, 50 and the launching device 70 via a power supply line. The power supply unit 60 has a power switch 61. When the power switch 61 is switched from an off state to an on state, power supply to each of the boards 40, 50 and the launching device 70 is started. On the other hand, when the power switch 61 is switched from an on state to an off state, the power supply to each of the boards 40, 50 and the launching device 70 is cut off. Cutting off the power supply corresponds to stopping the power supply.

The power supply unit 60 includes a backup power supply 62. The backup power supply 62 supplies power to the main RAM 43 even after the power supply is cut off. The main RAM 43 is supplied with power from the backup power supply 62, so that the contents stored in the main RAM 43 at the time the power supply is cut off can be retained even after the power supply is cut off. For example, the main RAM 43 may be a non-volatile memory that can retain the stored contents even when the power supply is cut off, and may be configured to retain the stored information even after the power supply is cut off.

The gaming machine 10 has a backup function. The backup function is a function that internally stores (backs up) various information related to game control even if the power supply from an external power source is cut off, and restores game control based on the various stored information when the power supply is started again. In this embodiment, the main board 40 has the backup function. For example, the sub-board 50 may also have the backup function. The main RAM 43 is capable of storing various information, and is an example of a storage means configured to be able to retain at least a portion of the stored information even after the power supply is cut off.

Next, the launch device 70 will be described.
As described above, the launching device 70 includes a ball feeding mechanism 71. As described above, the launching device 70 includes a launching mechanism 72. The launching device 70 includes a launch drive circuit 73. A touch sensor TS is connected to the launching device 70. The launch drive circuit 73 is configured to be able to input a detection signal output by the touch sensor TS. A handle volume HB is connected to the launching device 70. The launch drive circuit 73 is configured to be able to input a signal that can specify the amount of operation of the launch handle 16 detected by the handle volume HB. The handle volume HB in this embodiment is a variable resistor. And the signal that can specify the amount of operation of the launch handle 16 becomes a voltage value to the launch drive circuit 73.

Here, various processes performed in the gaming machine 10 will be described.
First, a main power-on process and a sub power-on process that are performed when power supply starts will be described.

When the main CPU 41 is started by the start-up process (boot process) accompanying the start of power supply, it first executes the main power-on process. In the main power-on process, the presence or absence of initialization (RAM clear) of the main RAM 43 is controlled according to the operation state of the clear switch 45 at the start of power supply. When the clear switch 45 is operated to the on state, the main CPU 41 executes RAM clear of the main RAM 43. When performing RAM clear, the main CPU 41 initializes the game information by storing initial information in the area that stores the game information among various information in the memory area of the main RAM 43. After that, the main CPU 41 ends the main power-on process. On the other hand, when the clear switch 45 is in the off state, the main CPU 41 does not execute RAM clear of the main RAM 43, and returns based on the backed-up memory contents of the main RAM 43, and ends the main power-on process. When the RAM clear is executed, neither the special game nor the normal game is executed or reserved, and the state is returned to one in which there is no big win game, small win game, or normal win game. On the other hand, if the RAM is not cleared, the state when the power supply was cut off will be restored based on the backed up game information.

When the main CPU 41 ends the main power-on process, it stores a predetermined control command in the output buffer to the sub-board 50 based on the game information stored in the main RAM 43. Specifically, if a RAM clear is executed in the main power-on process, the main CPU 41 stores control information (hereinafter referred to as a RAM clear command) that can identify that a RAM clear has been executed in the output buffer. On the other hand, if a RAM clear is not executed in the main power-on process, the main CPU 41 stores control information (hereinafter referred to as a return command) that can identify that the state is to be restored to when the power supply is cut off in the output buffer. For example, when a return occurs during a small win game with the start of the power supply, the main CPU 41 stores a return command that can identify that the return occurs during a small win game in the output buffer. The control information (command) stored in the output buffer is output to the sub-board 50 in the next or subsequent timer interrupt process.

When the secondary CPU 51 is started by the start-up process (boot process) accompanying the start of power supply, it waits until it inputs a RAM clear command or a return command from the main CPU 41. Then, when the RAM clear command or return command is input, the secondary CPU 51 executes the sub power-on process. In the sub power-on process, control is performed according to whether the RAM clear command or the return command is input. Specifically, when the RAM clear command is input, the secondary CPU 51 returns based on the initial information and ends the sub power-on process. On the other hand, when the return command is input, the secondary CPU 51 returns based on the control information from the main CPU 41 and ends the sub power-on process. When the RAM clear command is input, the secondary CPU 51 is returned to a state in which no performance game is being executed and none of the performances during big win play, small win play, and normal win play are being executed. On the other hand, when the return command is input, the state is returned to when the power supply was cut off based on the backed-up game information.

When a RAM clear command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls at least one of the various presentation devices 17, 18, 25 so as to notify that a RAM clear has been executed. For example, the sub-CPU 51 controls the speaker 18 so as to output a sound that can identify that a RAM clear has been executed. For example, the sub-CPU 51 controls the presentation display device 25 so as to display an image that can identify that a RAM clear has been executed. When a return command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls at least one of the various presentation devices 17, 18, 25 so as to notify that a return will be made based on the backed-up game information. For example, the sub-CPU 51 controls the speaker 18 so as to output a sound that can identify that a return will be made based on the backed-up game information. For example, the sub-CPU 51 controls the presentation display device 25 so as to display an image that can identify that a return will be made based on the backed-up game information.

The secondary CPU 51 performs an initial operation process to perform an initial operation of the movable body 24 when power supply is started. The initial operation of the movable body 24 is also called the initial operation of the movable body 24. The secondary CPU 51 performs the initial operation process when a RAM clear command or a return command is input. In the initial operation process, the secondary CPU 51 controls the performance actuator EA so that the movable body 24 performs the initial operation. The secondary CPU 51 monitors the transition of the detection signal from the original position sensor GS. When the secondary CPU 51 continues to input a detection signal from the original position sensor GS from the start of the initial operation of the movable body 24 until a predetermined operation period has elapsed, the secondary CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the movable body 24 and the performance actuator EA. When the secondary CPU 51 stops inputting the detection signal from the original position sensor GS and stops inputting the detection signal again until a predetermined operation period has elapsed after the start of the initial operation of the movable body 24, the secondary CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the movable body 24 and the performance actuator EA. If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the movable body 24 and the performance actuator EA, the secondary CPU 51 stops the performance actuator EA and stores in the secondary RAM 53 information that can identify an abnormality in the operation of the movable body 24 (hereinafter referred to as movable body error information). If movable body error information is stored in the secondary RAM 53, the secondary CPU 51 does not operate the movable body 24 when various performances are performed. The movable body error information stored in the secondary RAM 53 is erased from the secondary RAM 53 when the power supply is cut off. Incidentally, the time that constitutes the specified operating period is set to a time longer than the time required for the initial operation of the movable body 24 to be completed normally.

Next, various processes executed by the main CPU 41 based on the main control program will be described. The main CPU 41 executes special symbol input processing and special symbol start processing as timer interrupt processing performed every predetermined control period (e.g., 4 ms).

First, the special symbol input process performed by the main CPU 41 will be described.
In the special symbol input process, the main CPU 41 performs a first special symbol input process. After completing the first special symbol input process, the main CPU 41 performs a second special symbol input process. After completing the second special symbol input process, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol input process.

In the first special symbol input process, the main CPU 41 judges whether a game ball has entered the first start hole 26 based on whether a detection signal from the first start sensor SE1 has been input (hereinafter referred to as the first input judgment). If the judgment result of the first input judgment is negative, the main CPU 41 ends the first special symbol input process. On the other hand, if the judgment result of the first input judgment is positive, the main CPU 41 judges whether the first special reserved number stored in the main RAM 43 is less than the upper limit number (hereinafter referred to as the first reserved judgment). If the judgment result of the first reserved judgment is negative, the main CPU 41 ends the first special symbol input process. If the judgment result of the first reserved judgment is positive, the main CPU 41 adds 1 to the first special reserved number to update it. In addition, the main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 to display the updated first special reserved number. The main CPU 41 stores control information capable of identifying the updated first special reserved number (hereinafter referred to as the first reserved number command) in the output buffer. Also, if the result of the first hold determination is positive, the main CPU 41 acquires the random numbers generated in the main board 40 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main RAM 43. At this time, the main CPU 41 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the first special game and the storage order of the random number information. In this embodiment, the execution of the first special game is suspended by storing the random number information for the first special game in the main RAM 43. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number by a predetermined method. For example, the random number is a winning lottery random number used in a winning lottery (a big winning lottery, a small winning lottery), a falling lottery random number used in a falling lottery, a pattern random number used to determine a big winning pattern, a variation pattern random number used to determine a variation pattern, a performance lottery random number used in a performance lottery, etc. After that, the main CPU 41 ends the first special pattern input process.

In the second special symbol input process, the main CPU 41 judges whether a game ball has entered the second start hole 27 based on whether a detection signal from the second start sensor SE2 has been input (hereinafter referred to as the second input judgment). If the judgment result of the second input judgment is negative, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol input process. On the other hand, if the judgment result of the second input judgment is positive, the main CPU 41 judges whether the second special reserved number stored in the main RAM 43 is less than the upper limit number (hereinafter referred to as the second reserved judgment). If the judgment result of the second reserved judgment is negative, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol input process. On the other hand, if the judgment result of the second reserved judgment is positive, the main CPU 41 adds 1 to the second special reserved number to update it. The main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 to display the updated second special reserved number. In addition, the main CPU 41 stores control information (hereinafter referred to as the second reserved number command) capable of identifying the updated second special reserved number in the output buffer. Furthermore, if the result of the second hold determination is positive, the main CPU 41 acquires the random numbers generated within the main board 40, stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main RAM 43, and ends the special symbol input process. At this time, the main CPU 41 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the second special game and the storage order of the random number information. In this embodiment, the execution of the second special game is put on hold by storing the random number information for the second special game in the main RAM 43. Thereafter, the main CPU 41 ends the second special symbol input process.

A series of controls from when the result of the first hold judgment becomes positive until the random number information for the first special game is stored in the main RAM 43 corresponds to the control of holding the execution of the first special game, and corresponds to the hold control of holding the execution of the variable game. In this way, the main CPU 41 can execute the control of holding the execution of the first special game, triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 26. Similarly, a series of controls from when the result of the second hold judgment becomes positive until the random number information for the second special game is stored in the main RAM 43 corresponds to the control of holding the execution of the second special game, and corresponds to the hold control of holding the execution of the variable game. In this way, the main CPU 41 can execute the control of holding the execution of the second special game, triggered by the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 27. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 executes at least one of the control of holding the execution of the first special game and the control of holding the execution of the second special game, thereby realizing a function as a hold control means capable of executing the hold control of holding the execution of the variable game. In this embodiment, the hold control means can execute hold control when the game ball enters the starting hole.

Next, the special symbol start process performed by the main CPU 41 will be described.
In the special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 judges whether the game is not a winning game (big win game, small win game) and is not waiting for a big win game. When the game is a winning game or is waiting for a big win game, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol start process. On the other hand, when the game is not a winning game and is not waiting for a big win game, the main CPU 41 performs a first execution judgment to judge whether the first special game is being executed. Then, when the first execution judgment judges that the first special game is being executed, the main CPU 41 performs a second execution judgment to judge whether the second special game is being executed. On the other hand, when the first execution judgment judges that the first special game is not being executed, the main CPU 41 performs a first reservation judgment to judge whether the first special reservation number is 1 or more. When the first reservation judgment judges that the first special reservation number is not 1 or more, the main CPU 41 performs a second execution judgment. On the other hand, when it is determined in the first reservation determination that the first special reservation number is 1 or more, the main CPU 41 performs a first special symbol start process related to the execution of the first special game. After performing the first special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 performs a second execution determination.

When the second execution judgment determines that the second special game is being executed, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol start processing. On the other hand, when the second execution judgment determines that the second special game is not being executed, the main CPU 41 performs a second reservation judgment to determine whether the second special reservation number is 1 or more. When the second reservation judgment determines that the second special reservation number is not 1 or more, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol start processing. On the other hand, when the second reservation judgment determines that the second special reservation number is 1 or more, the main CPU 41 performs a second special symbol start processing related to the execution of the second special game. After performing the second special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol start processing. Incidentally, when the first reservation judgment determines that the first special reservation number is not 1 or more and the second reservation judgment determines that the second special reservation number is not 1 or more, the main CPU 41 stores control information (hereinafter referred to as a standby command) capable of identifying a standby state in the output buffer.

Here, the first special symbol start process will be explained.
In the first special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 updates the first special reserved number stored in the main RAM 43 by subtracting 1. The main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 so that the updated first special reserved number is displayed. The main CPU 41 also stores the first reserved number command capable of identifying the updated first special reserved number in the output buffer. Next, the main CPU 41 reads out the first stored random number information from the main RAM 43 among the random number information for the first special game. Note that, when the main CPU 41 reads out the first random number information, it erases the first stored random number information from the main RAM 43. Then, the main CPU 41 refers to information capable of identifying whether the game state is a low probability state or a high probability state (hereinafter, referred to as a probability state flag) among the information capable of identifying the game state stored in the main RAM 43, and determines whether the game state is a high probability state. If the game state is not a high probability state, the main CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery process. On the other hand, if the game state is a high probability state, the main CPU 41 performs a fall lottery process.

In the fall lottery process, the main CPU 41 performs a fall lottery based on the value of the fall lottery random number that can be specified from the read random number information and the fall judgment value stored in the main ROM 42. Specifically, the main CPU 41 determines whether the value of the fall lottery random number matches the fall judgment value, and performs the fall lottery. In this embodiment, if the value of the fall lottery random number matches the fall judgment value, the fall lottery is considered to have been won, and if the value of the fall lottery random number does not match the fall judgment value, the fall lottery is considered to have been unsuccessful (not won). If the fall lottery is unsuccessful, the main CPU 41 ends the fall lottery process and performs the jackpot lottery process. On the other hand, if the fall lottery is won, the main CPU 41 sets a value that can be specified as a low probability state to the probability state flag and updates the probability state flag. After that, the main CPU 41 ends the fall lottery process and performs the jackpot lottery process. However, if information that can identify that a second special game that has resulted in a jackpot is being played (hereinafter referred to as a second special jackpot flag) is stored in the main RAM 43 during the first special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 will not perform the jackpot lottery process or the small jackpot lottery process, but will instead execute the miss game process.

In the jackpot lottery process, the main CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery based on the value of the winning lottery random number that can be specified from the read random number information and the jackpot determination value stored in the main ROM 42. At this time, the main CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery using a jackpot determination value corresponding to a set value that can be specified from the set value flag. In addition, the main CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery using a common jackpot determination value and a high probability jackpot determination value if the probability is high, while performing a jackpot lottery using a common jackpot determination value if the probability is low. The main CPU 41 determines whether the value of the winning lottery random number matches the jackpot determination value, and performs a jackpot lottery. In this embodiment, if the value of the winning lottery random number matches the jackpot determination value, it is determined that the jackpot lottery has been won, and if the value of the winning lottery random number does not match the jackpot determination value, it is determined that the jackpot lottery has not been won (did not win). If the jackpot lottery is won, the main CPU 41 ends the jackpot lottery process and executes the jackpot game process. On the other hand, if the jackpot lottery is not won, the main CPU 41 ends the jackpot lottery process and executes the small jackpot lottery process.

In the small win lottery process, the main CPU 41 performs a small win lottery based on the value of the winning lottery random number that can be identified from the read random number information (the value of the winning lottery random number used in the big win lottery process) and the small win judgment value stored in the main ROM 42. The main CPU 41 determines whether the value of the winning lottery random number matches the small win judgment value, and performs a small win lottery. In this embodiment, if the value of the winning lottery random number matches the small win judgment value, the small win lottery is considered to have been won, and if the value of the winning lottery random number does not match the small win judgment value, the small win lottery is considered to have not been won (not won). Then, if the small win lottery is won, the main CPU 41 ends the small win lottery process and executes the small win game process. On the other hand, if the small win lottery is not won, the main CPU 41 ends the small win lottery process and executes the loss game process.

In the gaming machine 10, a jackpot lottery may be performed when a special game is executed. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 executes the jackpot lottery process, thereby realizing a function as a jackpot lottery means that performs a jackpot lottery to determine whether a jackpot will be won. In the gaming machine 10, a small jackpot lottery may be performed when a special game is executed. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 executes the small jackpot lottery process, thereby realizing a function as a small jackpot lottery means that performs a small jackpot lottery to determine whether a small jackpot will be won. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 executes the jackpot lottery process and the small jackpot lottery process, thereby realizing a function as a win lottery means that performs a win lottery.

In the jackpot game processing in the first special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 determines the jackpot pattern based on the value of the pattern random number that can be specified from the read random number information. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 determines the first jackpot pattern or the second jackpot pattern based on the value of the pattern random number. In the jackpot game processing, the main CPU 41 determines the jackpot variation pattern based on the value of the variation pattern random number that can be specified from the read random number information. At this time, the main CPU 41 refers to information that can specify whether the game state is a non-variation shortening state or a variation shortening state (hereinafter referred to as a shortening state flag) among the information that can specify the game state stored in the main RAM 43. Then, in the jackpot game processing in the first special symbol start processing, if the state is a non-variation shortening state, the main CPU 41 determines the jackpot variation pattern for the first special game when the state is a non-variation shortening state. On the other hand, in the jackpot game processing in the first special symbol start processing, if the state is a variation shortening state, the main CPU 41 determines the jackpot variation pattern for the first special game when the state is a variation shortening state. As a result, when the main CPU 41 is in the fluctuation shortening state, it determines a fluctuation pattern with a shorter fluctuation time (or it is easier to determine a fluctuation pattern with a shorter fluctuation time) compared to when the main CPU 41 is in the non-fluctuation shortening state. After determining the special symbol and the fluctuation pattern, the main CPU 41 ends the big win game processing, and stores the control information (hereinafter referred to as the symbol command) capable of identifying the determined special symbol and the control information (hereinafter referred to as the fluctuation pattern command) capable of identifying the determined fluctuation pattern in the output buffer. Then, the main CPU 41 ends the first special symbol start processing.

In the small win game processing in the first special pattern start processing, the main CPU 41 determines the small win pattern. In the small win game processing, the main CPU 41 performs a performance lottery based on the value of the performance lottery random number that can be specified from the read random number information and the performance judgment value stored in the main ROM 42. The main CPU 41 determines that the performance lottery has been won when the value of the performance lottery random number and the performance judgment value match, and determines that the performance lottery has not been won (not won) when the value of the performance lottery random number and the performance judgment value do not match. The main CPU 41 determines a small win variation pattern that is associated with executing a reach performance when the performance lottery is won based on the value of the variation pattern random number that can be specified from the read random number information, while determining a small win variation pattern that is not associated with executing a reach performance when the performance lottery is not won. At this time, the main CPU 41 refers to the shortened state flag. Then, in the small win game processing, if the main CPU 41 is in a non-variable shortened state, it determines a small win variation pattern for the second special game when it is in a non-variable shortened state. On the other hand, in the small win game processing, if the main CPU 41 is in the fluctuation shortening state, it determines the small win fluctuation pattern for the second special game when in the fluctuation shortening state. As a result, when in the fluctuation shortening state, the main CPU 41 determines a fluctuation pattern with a shorter fluctuation time (or it is easier to determine a fluctuation pattern with a shorter fluctuation time) compared to when in the non-fluctuation shortening state. After determining the special symbol and fluctuation pattern, the main CPU 41 ends the small win game processing and stores the symbol command and the fluctuation pattern command in the output buffer. Then, the main CPU 41 ends the first special symbol start processing.

In the loss game processing in the first special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 determines the loss symbol. In the loss game processing, the main CPU 41 determines the loss variation pattern based on the value of the variation pattern random number that can be specified from the read random number information. At this time, the main CPU 41 refers to the shortened state flag. Then, in the loss game processing in the first special symbol start processing, if the main CPU 41 is in a non-variation shortened state, it determines the loss variation pattern for the first special game when the variation shortened state is in effect. On the other hand, in the loss game processing in the first special symbol start processing, if the main CPU 41 is in a variation shortened state, it determines the loss variation pattern for the first special game when the variation shortened state is in effect. As a result, when the variation shortened state is in effect, the main CPU 41 determines a variation pattern with a shorter variation time (or is more likely to determine a variation pattern with a shorter variation time) than when the variation shortened state is in effect. After determining the special symbol and the variation pattern, the main CPU 41 ends the loss game processing and stores the pattern command and the variation pattern command in the output buffer. Then, the main CPU 41 ends the first special symbol start process.

Next, the second special pattern start process will be described.
In the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 updates the second special reserved number stored in the main RAM 43 by subtracting 1. The main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 so that the updated second special reserved number is displayed. The main CPU 41 also stores a second reserved number command capable of identifying the updated second special reserved number in the output buffer. Next, the main CPU 41 reads out the first stored random number information from the main RAM 43 among the random number information for the second special game. Note that, when the main CPU 41 reads out the first random number information, it erases the first stored random number information from the main RAM 43. Then, the main CPU 41 refers to the probability state flag and determines whether the state is in a high probability state. If the state is not in a high probability state, the main CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery process. On the other hand, if the state is in a high probability state, the main CPU 41 performs a fall lottery process. In the fall lottery process in the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 performs the same control as the fall lottery process in the first special symbol start process. Then, when the falling lottery process is completed, the main CPU 41 performs the big win lottery process. However, if information that can identify that the first special game in which the big win has been won is being executed (hereinafter, referred to as the first special big win flag) is stored in the main RAM 43 in the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 does not perform the big win lottery process and the small win lottery process, but performs the loss game process.

In the jackpot lottery process in the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 performs the same control as the jackpot lottery process in the first special symbol start process. Also, if the jackpot lottery is won in the jackpot lottery process in the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 ends the jackpot lottery process and executes the jackpot game process. On the other hand, if the jackpot lottery is not won in the jackpot lottery process in the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 ends the jackpot lottery process and executes the small jackpot lottery process. In the small jackpot lottery process in the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 performs the same control as the small jackpot lottery process in the first special symbol start process. Also, if the small jackpot lottery is won in the small jackpot lottery process in the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 ends the small jackpot lottery process and executes the small jackpot game process. On the other hand, if the small win lottery is not won in the small win lottery process in the second special pattern start process, the main CPU 41 ends the small win lottery process and executes the loss game process.

In the jackpot game processing in the second special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 performs the same control as the jackpot game processing in the first special symbol start processing described above. However, in the jackpot game processing in the second special symbol start processing, if the main CPU 41 is in a non-variation shortening state, it determines the jackpot fluctuation pattern for the second special game when the fluctuation shortening state is in effect. On the other hand, if the main CPU 41 is in a variation shortening state, it determines the jackpot fluctuation pattern for the second special game when the fluctuation shortening state is in effect. As a result, the main CPU 41 determines a fluctuation pattern with a shorter fluctuation time when the fluctuation shortening state is in effect compared to when the fluctuation shortening state is in effect (or it is easier to determine a fluctuation pattern with a shorter fluctuation time). After determining the special symbol and the fluctuation pattern, the main CPU 41 ends the jackpot game processing and stores the symbol command and the fluctuation pattern command in the output buffer. Then, the main CPU 41 ends the second special symbol start processing.

Similarly, in the small win game processing in the second special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 performs the same control as the small win game processing in the first special symbol start processing described above. However, in the small win game processing in the second special symbol start processing, if the main CPU 41 is in a non-variation shortening state, it determines the small win fluctuation pattern for the second special game when the fluctuation shortening state is in effect. On the other hand, if the main CPU 41 is in a variation shortening state, it determines the small win fluctuation pattern for the second special game when the fluctuation shortening state is in effect. As a result, when the main CPU 41 is in a variation shortening state, it determines a fluctuation pattern with a shorter fluctuation time (or it is easier to determine a fluctuation pattern with a shorter fluctuation time) compared to when the fluctuation shortening state is in effect. After determining the special symbol and the fluctuation pattern, the main CPU 41 ends the small win game processing and stores the symbol command and the fluctuation pattern command in the output buffer. Then, the main CPU 41 ends the second special symbol start processing.

In the loss game processing in the second special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 performs the same control as the loss game processing in the first special symbol start processing described above. However, in the loss game processing in the second special symbol start processing, if the main CPU 41 is in a non-variation shortening state, it determines the loss variation pattern for the second special game. On the other hand, in the loss game processing in the second special symbol start processing, if the main CPU 41 is in a variation shortening state, it determines the loss variation pattern for the second special game when the variation shortening state is in effect. As a result, when the variation shortening state is in effect, the main CPU 41 determines a variation pattern with a shorter variation time (or is more likely to determine a variation pattern with a shorter variation time) than when the variation shortening state is in effect. After determining the special symbol and the variation pattern, the main CPU 41 ends the loss game processing and stores the symbol command and the variation pattern command in the output buffer. Then, the main CPU 41 ends the second special symbol start processing. In the following description, the fluctuation pattern command stored in the output buffer during the first special symbol start process will be referred to as the first fluctuation pattern command, and the fluctuation pattern command stored in the output buffer during the second special symbol start process will be referred to as the second fluctuation pattern command.

In the gaming machine 10, in the first special symbol start process, if the second special jackpot flag is stored in the main RAM 43, the jackpot lottery process and the small jackpot lottery process are not executed, and the miss game process is executed. Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, when the execution of the first special game triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 26 is started during the execution of the second special game that results in a jackpot, the miss symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the first special game. Similarly, in the gaming machine 10, in the second special symbol start process, if the first special jackpot flag is stored in the main RAM 43, the jackpot lottery process and the small jackpot lottery process are not executed, and the miss game process is executed. Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, when the execution of the second special game triggered by the entry of a game ball into the second start hole 27 is started during the execution of the first special game that results in a jackpot, the miss symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the second special game.

When the special symbol start process is completed, the main CPU 41 performs a process separate from the special symbol start process and executes a special game. Specifically, the main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 so that a special game is started. When the first special game is being executed, the main CPU 41 controls the light emitters constituting the first special symbol display section 22a to light up in a lighting state corresponding to the execution of the first special game. Similarly, when the second special game is being executed, the main CPU 41 controls the light emitters constituting the second special symbol display section 22b to light up in a lighting state corresponding to the execution of the second special game. In addition, the main CPU 41 times the fluctuation time associated with the fluctuation pattern determined in the special symbol start process.

Then, the main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 so that the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process is displayed as a fixed stop when the fluctuation time associated with the fluctuation pattern has elapsed. For example, when a special symbol is displayed as a fixed stop on the first special symbol display section 22a, at least one of the multiple light-emitting elements constituting the first special symbol display section 22a emits light. Similarly, for example, when a special symbol is displayed as a fixed stop on the second special symbol display section 22b, at least one of the multiple light-emitting elements constituting the second special symbol display section 22b emits light. When the fluctuation time associated with the fluctuation pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 41 stores a game end command in the output buffer.

Incidentally, when the second special game is executed and the second special symbol display unit 22b displays a fixed stop of the jackpot symbol during execution of the first special game, the main CPU 41 displays a fixed stop of a losing symbol on the first special symbol display unit 22a and forcibly ends the first special game being executed. Similarly, when the first special game is executed and the first special symbol display unit 22a displays a fixed stop of the jackpot symbol during execution of the second special game, the main CPU 41 displays a fixed stop of a losing symbol on the second special symbol display unit 22b and forcibly ends the second special game being executed. When the main CPU 41 displays a fixed stop of the jackpot symbol in the special game, the main CPU 41 sets the game to a waiting state for the occurrence of a jackpot game and stores control information (hereinafter referred to as a waiting command) capable of identifying that the game is in a waiting state for the occurrence of a jackpot game in the output buffer. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, after the special game based on winning a jackpot is finished, the machine is controlled to a jackpot game occurrence waiting state in which the award of the jackpot game is waiting to start. That is, in this embodiment, after the variable game based on winning a jackpot is finished, the machine is controlled to an award waiting state in which the award of the jackpot game is waiting to start.

In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 executes the first special game if the first special game is not being played when the game is not in a winning game, the game is not waiting for a big win game, and the first special game is not being played and the execution of the first special game is on hold. Similarly, the main CPU 41 executes the second special game if the game is not in a winning game, the game is not waiting for a big win game, the game is not playing and the execution of the second special game is on hold. In this embodiment, when the game is not in a winning game, the game is not waiting for a big win game, and the special game is not being played, it is possible to execute the special game, and the execution condition of the variable game is established. In this way, when the execution condition of the variable game is established while the execution of the variable game is on hold, the main CPU 41 executes the special game. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 executes the special game by controlling the game to be executed, thereby realizing the function of a variable game control means for executing the variable game.

Next, the big win processing performed by the main CPU 41 will be described.
When the main CPU 41 receives a detection signal from the gate sensor SE5 while waiting for a jackpot game to occur, the main CPU 41 executes a jackpot process, causes a jackpot game to occur, and starts the jackpot game. In this way, the gaming machine 10 is configured to start the award of a jackpot game when a game ball enters the gate 33 while waiting for a jackpot game to occur. That is, this embodiment is configured to start the award of a jackpot game when a game ball enters the start ball entry hole while waiting for an award.

In the jackpot process, the main CPU 41 specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot pattern (i.e., the type of jackpot) determined in the special pattern start process. Then, the main CPU 41 starts control to generate the specified type of jackpot game after the special game of the jackpot ends. The main CPU 41 generates the jackpot game by executing the jackpot process. In this way, when the gaming machine 10 wins a jackpot in a jackpot lottery, it is possible to award the jackpot game after the special game in which the jackpot was won ends. In this embodiment, when the gaming machine 10 wins a jackpot in a jackpot lottery performed in executing a variable game, it is possible to award the jackpot game after the variable game based on the winning of the jackpot ends. In other words, in this embodiment, when the gaming machine 10 wins a jackpot in a jackpot lottery performed in executing a variable game, it is possible to award the jackpot game after the variable game ends.

In the jackpot process, the main CPU 41 stores an opening command in the output buffer. When the main CPU 41 stores the opening command in the output buffer, it times the opening time. In addition, when the opening time has elapsed, the main CPU 41 performs a process to execute a round game. The main CPU 41 controls the second actuator A2 so that the first large prize winning opening 29 opens, and starts the round game. After starting the round game, when the first open game ending condition or the second open game ending condition is established, the main CPU 41 controls the second actuator A2 so that the first large prize winning opening 29 is closed, and ends the round game. The main CPU 41 repeats the process to execute the round game until the upper limit number of round games set for the jackpot game is ended. The main CPU 41 stores a round command in the output buffer every time a round game is started. When the final round game is ended, the main CPU 41 stores an ending command in the output buffer. When the main CPU 41 stores the ending command in the output buffer, it starts timing the ending time. When the ending time has elapsed, the main CPU 41 ends the jackpot processing. When a jackpot game has been awarded, the main CPU 41 controls the right hit notification lamp 22g to light up.

Next, the small win processing performed by the main CPU 41 will be described.
The main CPU 41 performs a small win process after the special game of the small win is finished. After the special game of the small win is finished, the main CPU 41 performs the small win process regardless of whether a detection signal is input from the gate sensor SE5. In the small win process, the main CPU 41 starts a control to generate a small win game after the special game of the small win is finished. The main CPU 41 executes the small win process to generate a small win game. In this way, when a small win is won in the small win lottery, the gaming machine 10 can award a small win game after the special game in which the small win was won is finished. That is, in this embodiment, when a small win is won in the small win lottery performed in executing the variable game, the small win game can be awarded after the variable game based on the small win is won. That is, in this embodiment, when a small win is won in the small win lottery performed in executing the variable game, the small win game can be awarded after the variable game is finished.

When a small win game is generated, the main CPU 41 stores control information (hereinafter, referred to as a small win generation command) indicating that a small win game is generated in the output buffer. When a small win game is generated, the main CPU 41 controls the third actuator A3 so that the second large winning opening 31 opens for an upper limit of 0.6 seconds, closes for 0.5 seconds, and then opens for an upper limit of 1.2 seconds. After the small win game is generated, the main CPU 41 controls the third actuator A3 so that the second large winning opening 31 is closed when the first open game end condition or the second open game end condition is established, and ends the small win process. The main CPU 41 controls the right hit notification lamp 22g to light up when a small win game is awarded.

In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 performs jackpot processing, thereby realizing the function of a jackpot game granting means that grants a jackpot game. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 performs small jackpot processing, thereby realizing the function of a small jackpot game granting means that grants a small jackpot game. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 performs jackpot processing and small jackpot processing, thereby realizing the function of a jackpot game granting means that grants a jackpot game.

Next, the game status processing performed by the main CPU 41 will be described.
Information capable of identifying a game state is stored in the main RAM 43. The information capable of identifying a game state includes the probability state flag and the shortened state flag described above, as well as information capable of identifying whether the game state is an open extended state or a non-open extended state (hereinafter, referred to as an extended state flag).

When controlling to a low probability state, the main CPU 41 sets the probability state flag to a value that can identify a low probability state. When a value that can identify a low probability state is set to the probability state flag, the main CPU 41 stores control information that can identify a low probability state in the output buffer. When controlling to a high probability state, the main CPU 41 sets the probability state flag to a value that can identify a high probability state. When a value that can identify a high probability state is set to the probability state flag, the main CPU 41 stores control information that can identify a high probability state in the output buffer. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 sets a value to the probability state flag, thereby realizing a function as a probability state control means that can be controlled to either a non-probability changing state or a probability changing state.

When controlling to the non-open extended state, the main CPU 41 sets the extended state flag to a value that can identify the non-open extended state. When setting the extended state flag to a value that can identify the non-open extended state, the main CPU 41 stores control information that can identify the non-open extended state in the output buffer. When controlling to the open extended state, the main CPU 41 sets the extended state flag to a value that can identify the open extended state. When setting the extended state flag to a value that can identify the open extended state, the main CPU 41 stores control information that can identify the open extended state in the output buffer.

When controlling to the non-variable shortening state, the main CPU 41 sets the shortening state flag to a value that can identify the non-variable shortening state. When the shortening state flag is set to a value that can identify the non-variable shortening state, the main CPU 41 stores control information that can identify the non-variable shortening state in the output buffer. When controlling to the variable shortening state, the main CPU 41 sets the shortening state flag to a value that can identify the variable shortening state. When the shortening state flag is set to a value that can identify the variable shortening state, the main CPU 41 stores control information that can identify the variable shortening state in the output buffer. The main CPU 41 controls the right hit notification lamp 22g to light up when in the variable shortening state.

After the end of the jackpot game, the main CPU 41 sets the probability state flag to a value that can identify a high probability state, sets the extension state flag to a value that can identify an open extension state, and sets the shortened state flag to a value that can identify a variable shortened state. After the end of the first jackpot game, the main CPU 41 stores in the main RAM 43 the remaining number of times for the special game that controls the open extension state to "50 times" as identifiable remaining extension number information. Meanwhile, after the end of the second jackpot game, the main CPU 41 stores in the main RAM 43 the remaining extension number information as "100 times."

When the remaining extension times information stored in the main RAM 43 is 1 or more, the main CPU 41 subtracts 1 from the remaining extension times information and updates the remaining extension times information each time the special game ends. When the updated remaining extension times information reaches 0, the main CPU 41 sets the extension state flag to a value that can identify a non-open extension state. Furthermore, when the updated remaining extension times information reaches 0 and a value that can identify a low probability state is set in the probability state flag, the main CPU 41 sets the shortened state flag to a value that can identify a non-variable shortened state. On the other hand, when the updated remaining extension times information reaches 0 and a value that can identify a high probability state is set in the probability state flag, the main CPU 41 does not update the value set in the shortened state flag. When the updated remaining extension times information reaches 0 and a value that can identify a high probability state is set in the probability state flag, a special state occurs. When a special state occurs, the main CPU 41 stores information that can identify a special state (hereinafter referred to as special state information) in the main RAM 43. The special state information is stored in the main RAM 43 until the special state ends. If special state information is stored in the main RAM 43, and a value that identifies a low probability state is set in the probability state flag after the special game ends, the main CPU 41 sets a value that identifies a non-variable shortened state in the shortened state flag.

Incidentally, when the main CPU 41 generates a jackpot game, it sets the probability state flag to a value that can specify control to a low probability state, the extension state flag to a value that can specify a non-open extension state, and the shortened state flag to a value that can specify a non-variable shortened state. For example, if a jackpot game is generated during a special state, the special state ends and the jackpot game is generated.

Next, the normal symbol input process performed by the main CPU 41 will be described.
In the normal symbol input process, the main CPU 41 judges whether the game ball has passed through the gate 33 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the gate sensor SE5. If the game ball has not passed through the gate 33, the main CPU 41 ends the normal symbol input process. On the other hand, if the game ball has passed through the gate 33, the main CPU 41 judges whether the normal reserved number stored in the main RAM 43 is less than the upper limit number. If the normal reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 41 ends the normal symbol input process. If the normal reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 41 adds 1 to the normal reserved number stored in the main RAM 43 and updates it. In addition, the main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 to display the updated normal reserved number. In addition, the main CPU 41 stores control information (hereinafter referred to as a normal reserved number command) that can specify the updated normal reserved number in the output buffer. Next, the main CPU 41 acquires a normal winning lottery random number, and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the main RAM 43. In this case, the main CPU 41 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for a normal game and the storage order of the random number information. After that, the main CPU 41 ends the normal symbol input process.

Next, the normal symbol start process performed by the main CPU 41 will be described.
In the normal symbol start process, the main CPU 41 judges whether the execution conditions of the normal game are satisfied. The main CPU 41 judges positively when the normal winning game is not being played and the normal game is not being played, whereas it judges negatively when the normal winning game is being played or the normal game is being played. If the execution conditions of the normal game are not satisfied, the main CPU 41 ends the normal symbol start process. On the other hand, if the execution conditions of the normal game are satisfied, the main CPU 41 judges whether the normal reserved number stored in the main RAM 43 is 1 or more. If the normal reserved number is not 1 or more, the main CPU 41 ends the normal symbol start process. If the normal reserved number is 1 or more, the main CPU 41 updates the normal reserved number stored in the main RAM 43 by subtracting 1. Furthermore, the main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 so that the updated normal reserved number is displayed. In addition, the main CPU 41 stores a normal reserved number command capable of identifying the updated normal reserved number in the output buffer.

Next, the main CPU 41 reads out the random number information for the normal game that was stored first from the main RAM 43. After reading out the first random number information, the main CPU 41 erases the first random number information stored from the main RAM 43. Next, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a normal win is won based on the read out random number information for the normal game and the normal win judgment value stored in the main ROM 42. This process corresponds to a normal win lottery (normal win judgment) to determine whether or not a normal win is won. For example, when configured to be controllable to a high normal win probability state and a low normal win probability state, the main CPU 41 may perform a normal win lottery so that the probability of winning a normal win is higher in the high normal win probability state than in the low normal win probability state. When a normal win is won, the main CPU 41 determines the normal win pattern to be derived in the normal game and the fluctuation time of the normal game. If the normal win is not a win, the main CPU 41 determines the normal losing symbol to be derived in the normal game and the normal game fluctuation time. After that, the main CPU 41 ends the normal symbol start process. For example, if the normal shortened state and the non-normal shortened state are controllable, the main CPU 41 may determine a shorter time as the normal game fluctuation time in the normal shortened state compared to the non-normal shortened state (or may make it easier to determine a shorter time as the normal game fluctuation time).

The main CPU 41 then executes the normal game by performing a process separate from the normal symbol start process. Specifically, the main CPU 41 starts the normal game, and controls the information display panel 22 so that the normal symbol determined in the normal symbol start process is displayed as a fixed stop when the variable time determined in the normal symbol start process has elapsed. In addition, the main CPU 41 stores control information capable of identifying that the execution of the normal game is about to start in the output buffer in conjunction with starting the execution of the normal game.

Next, the normal win processing performed by the main CPU 41 will be described.
After the normal game of the normal win is finished, the main CPU 41 performs normal win processing. In the normal win processing, the main CPU 41 starts control to generate a normal win game depending on whether the state is in the open extension state or the non-open extension state. Therefore, the main CPU 41 generates (gives) a normal win by performing normal win processing. In the normal win processing, when the main CPU 41 is in the open extension state, the main CPU 41 controls the first actuator A1 so that the second start hole 27 is opened in the opening mode in the open extension state. When the main CPU 41 is in the non-open extension state, the main CPU 41 controls the first actuator A1 so that the second start hole 27 is opened in the opening mode in the non-open extension state. In this embodiment, the opening mode in the open extension state is such that the number of times the second start hole 27 is opened in one normal win game is greater than the opening mode in the non-open extension state, and the total time that the second start hole 27 is opened is longer. For this reason, when the second starting hole 27 is opened in the open mode in the open extended state, it is easier to get a game ball to enter the second starting hole 27 than when the second starting hole 27 is opened in the open mode in the non-open extended state. That is, in this embodiment, when the state is the open extended state, there is a higher advantage in getting a game ball to enter the second starting hole 27 than when the state is the non-open extended state.

Next, the prize ball processing performed by the main CPU 41 will be described.
When a detection signal from the first start sensor SE1 is input, the main CPU 41 controls so that three game balls are paid out as prize balls. That is, when a game ball enters the first start hole 26, the main CPU 41 controls so that a game ball is paid out as a prize ball when the game ball enters the first start hole 26. When a detection signal from the second start sensor SE2 is input, the main CPU 41 controls so that one game ball is paid out as a prize ball. That is, when a game ball enters the second start hole 27, the main CPU 41 controls so that a game ball is paid out as a prize ball when the game ball enters the second start hole 27. When a game ball enters the start holes 26 and 27, the main CPU 41 controls so that a game ball is paid out as a prize ball when the game ball enters the second start hole 27.

When a detection signal is input from the first count sensor SE3, the main CPU 41 controls so that 10 game balls are paid out as prize balls. That is, the main CPU 41 controls so that when a game ball enters the first large prize opening 29, the game balls are paid out as prize balls in response to the ball's entry. When a detection signal is input from the second count sensor SE4, the main CPU 41 controls so that 10 game balls are paid out as prize balls. That is, the main CPU 41 controls so that when a game ball enters the second large prize opening 31, the game balls are paid out as prize balls in response to the ball's entry. The main CPU 41 controls so that when a game ball enters the large prize openings 29, 31, the game balls are paid out as prize balls in response to the ball's entry.

When a detection signal is input from the first general sensor SE6, the main CPU 41 controls so that eight game balls are dispensed as prize balls. That is, the main CPU 41 controls so that when a game ball enters the first general winning opening 34, the game balls are dispensed as prize balls in response to the ball's entry. When a detection signal is input from the second general sensor SE7, the main CPU 41 controls so that eight game balls are dispensed as prize balls. That is, the main CPU 41 controls so that when a game ball enters the second general winning opening 35, the game balls are dispensed as prize balls in response to the ball's entry. The main CPU 41 controls so that when a game ball enters the general winning openings 34, 35, the game balls are dispensed as prize balls in response to the ball's entry.

As described above, the main CPU 41 controls the number of game balls associated with the winning hole into which the game ball entered to be paid out as prize balls. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 performs prize ball processing and controls the game balls as prize balls to be paid out, thereby awarding the prize balls. In this embodiment, the control to pay out the game balls as prize balls corresponds to the control to award the prize balls. In this embodiment, the function of the prize ball control means is realized by the main CPU 41 controlling the game balls as prize balls to be paid out. In this embodiment, the general winning holes 34 and 35 correspond to winning holes different from the starting hole. In other words, the main CPU 41 can execute control to award prize balls in response to the ball entering, regardless of whether the game ball enters the starting hole or the winning hole. In this embodiment, the starting holes 26 and 27 and the general winning holes 34 and 35 correspond to ball entry means into which the game balls can enter. In other words, the main CPU 41 can execute control to award prize balls when a game ball enters the ball entry means.

Next, the door opening management process performed by the main CPU 41 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the door opening management process, the main CPU 41 judges whether the door element is open (step S101). In step S101, the main CPU 41 judges whether the door element is open based on whether a detection signal is input from the door opening sensor ES1. If the door element is open (step S101; YES), the main CPU 41 judges whether the door opening information is already stored in the main RAM 43 (step S102). The door opening information corresponds to information that can specify that control information (hereinafter, referred to as a door opening command) that can specify that the door element is open has been output. If the door opening information is already stored in the main RAM 43 (step S102; YES), the main CPU 41 ends the door opening management process. On the other hand, if the door opening information is not stored in the main RAM 43 (step S102; NO), the main CPU 41 stores the door opening information in the main RAM 43 (step S103) and ends the door opening management process. If the door opening information is to be newly stored in step S103, the main CPU 41 stores the door opening command in the output buffer.

If the door member is not open (step S101; NO), the main CPU 41 determines whether the door open information is stored in the main RAM 43 (step S104). If the door open information is not stored in the main RAM 43 (step S104; NO), the main CPU 41 ends the door open management process. On the other hand, if the door open information is stored in the main RAM 43 (step S104; YES), the main CPU 41 erases the door open information stored in the main RAM 43 (step S105) and ends the door open management process. When erasing the door open information in step S105, the main CPU 41 stores control information (hereinafter referred to as a door close command) capable of identifying that the door member is closed in the output buffer. In this embodiment, the door open management process corresponds to door management control regarding the state of the door member by the door detection means. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 executes the door open management process to realize a function as a door management control means capable of executing door management control. Note that in the gaming machine 10, the door open management process may be executed as a timer interrupt process.

Next, the magnetic management process performed by the main CPU 41 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the magnetic management process, the main CPU 41 judges whether magnetic field has been detected (step S201). In step S201, the main CPU 41 judges whether magnetic field has been detected based on whether a detection signal from the magnetic sensor ES2 has been input. If magnetic field has not been detected (step S201; NO), the main CPU 41 ends the magnetic management process. On the other hand, if magnetic field has been detected (step S201; YES), the main CPU 41 judges whether magnetic field detection information has already been stored in the main RAM 43 (step S202). The magnetic field detection information corresponds to information that can specify that control information (hereinafter, referred to as a magnetic field detection command) that can specify that magnetic field has been detected has been output. If magnetic field detection information has already been stored in the main RAM 43 (step S202; YES), the main CPU 41 ends the magnetic management process. On the other hand, if magnetic field detection information has not been stored in the main RAM 43 (step S202; NO), the main CPU 41 stores the magnetic field detection information in the main RAM 43 (step S203) and ends the magnetic management process. When new magnetic detection information is to be stored in step S203, the main CPU 41 stores a magnetic detection command in the output buffer. In this embodiment, the magnetic management process corresponds to magnetic management control related to the detection of magnetic fields by the magnetic detection means. In this embodiment, the magnetic management process is executed by the main CPU 41, thereby realizing a function as a magnetic management control means capable of executing magnetic management control. Note that in the gaming machine 10, the magnetic management process may be executed as a timer interrupt process.

Next, various processes executed by the secondary CPU 51 based on the secondary control program will be described.
The sub-RAM 53 stores information that can identify the game state. The information that can identify the game state stored in the sub-RAM 53 includes information that can identify whether the game state is a low probability state or a high probability state (hereinafter referred to as a sub-probability state flag). The information that can identify the game state stored in the sub-RAM 53 includes information that can identify whether the game state is an open extension state or a non-open extension state (hereinafter referred to as a sub-extension state flag). The information that can identify the game state stored in the sub-RAM 53 includes information that can identify whether the game state is a variable shortening state or a non-variable shortening state (hereinafter referred to as a sub-shortening state flag).

When control information capable of identifying a low probability state is input, the secondary CPU 51 sets the secondary probability state flag to a value capable of identifying a low probability state. When control information capable of identifying a high probability state is input, the secondary CPU 51 sets the secondary probability state flag to a value capable of identifying a high probability state. When control information capable of identifying a non-open extension state is input, the secondary CPU 51 sets the secondary extension state flag to a value capable of identifying a non-open extension state. When control information capable of identifying an open extension state is input, the secondary CPU 51 sets the secondary extension state flag to a value capable of identifying an open extension state. When control information capable of identifying a non-variable shortening state is input, the secondary CPU 51 sets the secondary shortening state flag to a value capable of identifying a non-variable shortening state. When control information capable of identifying a variable shortening state is input, the secondary CPU 51 sets the secondary shortening state flag to a value capable of identifying a variable shortening state.

The secondary CPU 51 controls at least one of the various presentation devices 17, 18, 25 so that a presentation game or a presentation associated with the presentation game is performed. Specifically, when the secondary CPU 51 is in a normal low probability state, it controls to execute the presentation game when it inputs the first variation pattern command. Note that, when the secondary CPU 51 is in a normal low probability state, it does not control to execute the presentation game even if it inputs the second variation pattern command. On the other hand, when the secondary CPU 51 is in any of a special state, a specific low probability state, and a specific high probability state, it controls to execute the presentation game when it inputs the second variation pattern command. Note that, when the secondary CPU 51 is in any of a special state, a specific low probability state, and a specific high probability state, it does not control to execute the presentation game even if it inputs the first variation pattern command. When executing a presentation associated with the presentation game, the secondary CPU 51 may be capable of controlling not only the various presentation devices 17, 18, 25, but also the presentation actuator EA to operate the movable body 24.

When controlling the execution of the presentation game, the sub-CPU 51 determines the pattern combination of the presentation patterns to be ultimately derived in the presentation game based on the variation pattern command and the pattern command. If a big win pattern can be identified from the pattern command, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern combination for a big win. If a small win pattern can be identified from the pattern command, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern combination for a small win. If a miss pattern can be identified from the pattern command, the sub-CPU 51 determines the miss presentation pattern combination. If a small win variation pattern or a miss variation pattern associated with executing a reach presentation is specified, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern combination including a reach.

When controlling the execution of the presentation game, the sub-CPU 51 controls the presentation display device 25 so that the presentation pattern is displayed in a variable manner and the presentation game is started in response to the input of a variation pattern command. The sub-CPU 51 controls at least one of the various presentation devices 17, 18, 25 so that various presentations are executed based on a variation pattern that can be specified from the variation pattern command. The sub-CPU 51 also temporarily stops the display of the pattern combination based on the determined presentation pattern at a specified timing. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 stops and displays the presentation pattern combination in a confirmed manner in response to the input of a game end command. The sub-CPU 51 may also time a variation time that can be specified from the variation pattern, regardless of the game end command, and stop and display the presentation pattern combination in a confirmed manner in response to the passage of the variation time. In this case, the game end command may be omitted.

When the secondary CPU 51 inputs a wait-for-occurrence command, it controls at least one of the various presentation devices 17, 18, 25 so that a wait-for-occurrence presentation is executed. The wait-for-occurrence presentation is executed with presentation content that encourages the player to place the game ball into the gate 33. The wait-for-occurrence presentation is executed with presentation content that encourages the player to hit the ball to the right. The wait-for-occurrence presentation is executed with presentation content that encourages the player to trigger a jackpot game.

During a big win game, the sub-CPU 51 controls at least one of the various performance devices 17, 18, and 25 so that a big win performance is performed. Specifically, when an opening command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls at least one of the various performance devices 17, 18, and 25 so that an opening performance is performed. When a round command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls at least one of the various performance devices 17, 18, and 25 so that a round performance is performed. When an ending command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls at least one of the various performance devices 17, 18, and 25 so that an ending performance is performed. Also, during a small win game, the sub-CPU 51 controls at least one of the various performance devices 17, 18, and 25 so that a small win performance is performed. The small win performance is such that a small win pattern based on a performance pattern is continuously displayed on the performance display device 25, and the display content of the performance display device 25 at the end of the small win special game and the display content of the performance display device 25 during the small win game are the same. Therefore, even if a small win effect is executed, it is difficult to determine from the display content of the effect display device 25 that a small win game has occurred.

When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a door open command, it controls at least one of the various performance devices 17, 18, 25 so that it notifies the user that the door member is open. For example, the sub-CPU 51 controls the speaker 18 so that a sound that can identify that the door member is open is output. For example, the sub-CPU 51 controls the performance display device 25 so that an image that can identify that the door member is open is displayed. Furthermore, when the sub-CPU 51 inputs a door close command, it controls so that the notification that the door member is open ends. For example, when the sub-CPU 51 inputs a door close command, it controls so that the notification that the door member is open ends when a predetermined duration (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since the door close command was input.

When the secondary CPU 51 inputs a magnetic detection command, it controls at least one of the various performance devices 17, 18, 25 so as to notify the user that magnetic fields have been detected. For example, the secondary CPU 51 controls the speaker 18 so as to output a sound that can identify that magnetic fields have been detected. For example, the secondary CPU 51 controls the performance display device 25 so as to display an image that can identify that magnetic fields have been detected.

The gaming machine 10 may be controlled to a non-progression state in which it is impossible to proceed with the game. In the gaming machine 10, unit prize ball processing and non-progression processing are executed as control related to the non-progression state.

First, the unit prize ball process will be described. The main CPU 41 performs the unit prize ball process as a timer interrupt process.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the unit prize ball processing, the main CPU 41 judges whether a game ball has entered the first start hole 26 (step S301). In step S301, the main CPU 41 judges whether a game ball has entered the first start hole 26 based on whether a detection signal from the first start sensor SE1 has been input. If a game ball has not entered the first start hole 26 (step S301; NO), the main CPU 41 proceeds to the processing of step S303. On the other hand, if a game ball has entered the first start hole 26 (step S301; YES), the main CPU 41 updates the unit prize ball information stored in the main RAM 43 (step S302). In step S302, the main CPU 41 adds "3", which corresponds to the number of prize balls awarded in response to the game ball entering the first start hole 26, to the unit prize ball information, and updates the unit prize ball information. After completing the process of step S302, the main CPU 41 proceeds to the process of step S303.

In step S303, the main CPU 41 determines whether a game ball has entered the second start hole 27. In step S303, the main CPU 41 determines whether a game ball has entered the second start hole 27 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the second start sensor SE2. If a game ball has not entered the second start hole 27 (step S303; NO), the main CPU 41 proceeds to processing of step S305. On the other hand, if a game ball has entered the second start hole 27 (step S303; YES), the main CPU 41 updates the unit prize ball information stored in the main RAM 43 (step S304). In step S304, the main CPU 41 adds "1", which corresponds to the number of prize balls awarded in response to the game ball entering the second start hole 27, to the unit prize ball information, and updates the unit prize ball information. After completing the processing of step S304, the main CPU 41 proceeds to processing of step S305.

In step S305, the main CPU 41 determines whether a game ball has entered the first general winning opening 34. In step S305, the main CPU 41 determines whether a game ball has entered the first general winning opening 34 based on whether a detection signal from the first general winning opening SE6 has been input. If a game ball has not entered the first general winning opening 34 (step S305; NO), the main CPU 41 proceeds to the processing of step S307. On the other hand, if a game ball has entered the first general winning opening 34 (step S305; YES), the main CPU 41 updates the unit prize ball information stored in the main RAM 43 (step S306). In step S306, the main CPU 41 adds "8", which corresponds to the number of prize balls awarded upon the entry of a game ball into the first general winning opening 34, to the unit prize ball information, and updates the unit prize ball information. After completing step S306, the main CPU 41 proceeds to step S307.

In step S307, the main CPU 41 determines whether a game ball has entered the second general winning opening 35. In step S307, the main CPU 41 determines whether a game ball has entered the second general winning opening 35 based on whether a detection signal from the second general sensor SE7 has been input. If a game ball has not entered the second general winning opening 35 (step S307; NO), the main CPU 41 proceeds to the processing of step S309. On the other hand, if a game ball has entered the second general winning opening 35 (step S307; YES), the main CPU 41 updates the unit prize ball information stored in the main RAM 43 (step S308). In step S308, the main CPU 41 adds "8", which corresponds to the number of prize balls awarded upon the entry of a game ball into the second general winning opening 35, to the unit prize ball information, and updates the unit prize ball information. After completing step S308, the main CPU 41 proceeds to step S309.

In step S309, the main CPU 41 determines whether the unit prize ball information stored in the main RAM 43 has reached a specified value. In step S309, the main CPU 41 determines whether the value identifiable from the unit prize ball information stored in the main RAM 43 has reached a specified value. In this embodiment, the specified value is set to "100". If the value identifiable from the unit prize ball information has not reached the specified value (step S309; NO), the main CPU 41 proceeds to processing of step S312. On the other hand, if the value identifiable from the unit prize ball information has reached the specified value (step S309; YES), the main CPU 41 stores the progress impossible information in the main RAM 43 (step S310). Next, the main CPU 41 stores the progress impossible preliminary command in the output buffer and outputs it to the sub-board 50 (step S311). After completing the processing of step S311, the main CPU 41 proceeds to processing of step S312. Incidentally, the progress impossible information is backed up. Therefore, even if the power supply is cut off after the unprogression information is stored in the main RAM 43, the information will not be erased from the main RAM 43. Therefore, if the power supply is subsequently resumed without RAM clearing being performed, the main RAM 43 will return to the state in which the unprogression information was stored.

In step S312, the main CPU 41 determines whether the specified time has elapsed. In step S312, the main CPU 41 determines whether the specified time has elapsed since resetting the timer in the processing of step S314 described later. In this embodiment, the specified time is "1 minute". Incidentally, if the timer is not counting, the main CPU 41 affirms the judgment result of step S312. If the specified time has not elapsed (step S312; NO), the main CPU 41 ends the unit prize ball processing. If the specified time has elapsed (step S312; YES), the main CPU 41 initializes the unit prize ball information (step S313). In step S313, the main CPU 41 initializes the unit prize ball information by setting a value that can be identified from the unit prize ball information to "0". Next, the main CPU 41 resets the timer (step S314). By resetting the timer in step S314, the main CPU 41 starts measuring the specified time again. When the processing of step S314 is completed, the main CPU 41 ends the unit prize ball processing. Incidentally, the unit prize ball information is not backed up. Therefore, if the power supply is cut off, the unit prize ball information stored in the main RAM 43 is erased.

Next, the progress prohibition process will be described. The main CPU 41 performs the progress prohibition process as a timer interrupt process.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the unit prize ball processing, the main CPU 41 judges whether a big win game is awarded (step S401). If a big win game is awarded (step S401; YES), the main CPU 41 ends the progress disable processing. If a big win game is not awarded (step S401; NO), the main CPU 41 judges whether a small win game is awarded (step S402). If a small win game is awarded (step S402; YES), the main CPU 41 ends the progress disable processing. If a small win game is not awarded (step S402; NO), the main CPU 41 judges whether progress disable information is stored in the main RAM 43 (step S403). If progress disable information is not stored (step S403; NO), the main CPU 41 ends the progress disable processing. On the other hand, if progress disable information is stored (step S403; YES), the main CPU 41 turns off the information display panel 22 (step S404).

In step S404, the main CPU 41 turns off the first special symbol display section 22a. In step S404, the main CPU 41 turns off the second special symbol display section 22b. In step S404, the main CPU 41 turns off the first special hold display section 22c. In step S404, the main CPU 41 turns off the second special hold display section 22d. In step S404, the main CPU 41 turns off the normal symbol display section 22e. In step S404, the main CPU 41 turns off the normal hold display section 22f. In step S404, the main CPU 41 turns off the right hit notification lamp 22g.

Next, the main CPU 41 stores the non-progression preliminary command in the output buffer and outputs it to the sub-board 50 (step S405). The main CPU 41 also executes the door opening management process (shown in FIG. 8) (step S406). After that, the main CPU 41 outputs a stop signal to the launching device 70 (step S407). The control of the launching of the game balls by the launching device 70 will be explained later. After completing the process of step S407, the main CPU 41 performs step S406 again. That is, the main CPU 41 repeatedly performs the processes of steps S406 to S407. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, after the judgment result of step S403 becomes positive, the non-progression processing is not terminated. After the judgment result of step S403 becomes positive, the state becomes a non-progression state in which the non-progression processing is not terminated and the game cannot proceed. The gaming machine 10 can be controlled to a non-progression state in which the game cannot proceed. Incidentally, the unprogressable state will continue to be controlled at least until the power supply is cut off. In the gaming machine 10, the unprogressable information is backed up, so even if the power supply is cut off, unless the RAM is cleared afterwards, the game will end up being controlled to the unprogressable state again.

In this way, in the gaming machine 10, when the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43, the gaming machine 10 is controlled to a non-progression state. In this embodiment, the special condition is established by storing the non-progression information. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41, which can control the gaming machine 10 to a non-progression state by storing the non-progression information, realizes a function as a non-progression state control means that can control the gaming machine 10 to a non-progression state when a special condition is established. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, the special condition may be established when a gaming ball enters the start hole. In the gaming machine 10, the special condition may be established when a gaming ball enters the general winning hole.

In the gaming machine 10, the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 when a value identifiable from the unit prize ball information reaches a specified value. Therefore, it can be said that the special condition is met when a value identifiable from the unit prize ball information reaches a specified value. In particular, the unit prize ball information in the gaming machine 10 is initialized every minute. Therefore, it can be said that the special condition is met when a value identifiable from the unit prize ball information updated based on the prize balls awarded in one minute reaches a specified value. In this embodiment, one minute corresponds to a specified period. In this embodiment, a value identifiable from the unit prize ball information corresponds to a special value based on the awarded prize balls. In this embodiment, the specified value corresponds to a specified value. In this way, the special condition is met when a special value based on the award balls awarded within a specified period reaches a specified value.

In the gaming machine 10, even when non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43, if a jackpot game has been awarded, the determination result in step S401 becomes positive, and the machine is not controlled to the non-progression state, and the awarding of the jackpot game continues. However, once the awarding of the jackpot game ends, the determination result in step S401 becomes negative, and the machine is controlled to the non-progression state. In other words, if non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game has been awarded, the machine is controlled to the non-progression state after the end of the jackpot game. In other words, if a special condition is met when a jackpot game has been awarded, the machine is controlled to the non-progression state after the end of the jackpot game.

In this way, in the gaming machine 10, if the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, the awarding of the jackpot game continues without being controlled to a non-progression state until the awarded jackpot game ends. In other words, if a special condition is established when a jackpot game is awarded, the game is not controlled to a non-progression state until at least the jackpot game ends. And, if a special condition is established when a jackpot game is awarded, the game is not controlled to a non-progression state until the awarded jackpot game ends, and the awarding of the jackpot game continues.

Similarly, in the gaming machine 10, even when the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43, when a small win game is awarded, the judgment result of step S402 becomes positive, and the small win game is not controlled to the non-progression state, and the awarding of the small win game is continued. However, when the awarding of the small win game ends, the judgment result of step S402 becomes negative, and the game is controlled to the non-progression state. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, when the non-progression information is stored when a small win game is awarded, the game is not controlled to the non-progression state until the awarded small win game ends, and the awarding of the small win game continues. In other words, when a special condition is established when a small win game is awarded, the game is not controlled to the non-progression state at least until the small win game ends. And when a special condition is established when a small win game is awarded, the game is not controlled to the non-progression state until the awarded small win game ends, and the awarding of the small win game continues.

In the gaming machine 10, when the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state, the processing from step S404 onwards is executed, and thereafter, the processing from step S406 to step S407 is executed repeatedly. In other words, in the gaming machine 10, even after the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state, the door open management processing is executed in step S406. In this way, the main CPU 41 can execute the door open management processing even during the period from when the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state until the power supply is cut off. In other words, the door management control means can execute the door management control even during the period from when the special condition is met and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state until the power supply is cut off.

On the other hand, in the gaming machine 10, the processing from step S404 onwards does not include magnetic management processing. That is, in the gaming machine 10, after the progress impossibility information is stored and the machine is controlled to a progress impossibility state, the magnetic management processing is not executed. In this way, the main CPU 41 does not execute magnetic management processing at least during the period from when the progress impossibility information is stored and the machine is controlled to a progress impossibility state until the power supply is cut off. That is, the magnetic management control means does not execute magnetic management control at least during the period from when the special condition is met and the machine is controlled to a progress impossibility state until the power supply is stopped.

In the gaming machine 10, when the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state, the processing from step S404 onwards is executed, and thereafter, the processing from step S406 to step S407 is repeatedly executed. For this reason, in the gaming machine 10, after the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state, the special symbol input processing is not executed. As a result, when the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state while the special game is being executed, in the non-progression state, even if a game ball enters the first starting hole 26, the execution of the first special game is not suspended as a result of the ball entering. Similarly, when the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state while the special game is being executed, in the non-progression state, even if a game ball enters the second starting hole 27, the execution of the second special game is not suspended as a result of the ball entering. As described above, when the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state while the special game is being executed, in the non-progression state, even if a game ball enters the starting hole 26, 27, the execution of the special game is not suspended as a result of the ball entering. In other words, if a special condition is met while the variable game is being played and the game is controlled to a state where progress cannot be made, in that state where progress cannot be made, even if a game ball enters the starting hole, the execution of the variable game will not be put on hold as a result of the ball entering the starting hole.

For the above reasons, even if a detection signal from the first start sensor SE1 is input after the game is controlled to the non-progress state, the main CPU 41 does not execute the special symbol input process, and the main CPU 41 does not execute control to suspend the execution of the first special game. In other words, when the game is non-progress, the main CPU 41 does not execute control to suspend the execution of the first special game even if a detection signal from the first start sensor SE1 that can identify that a game ball has entered the first start hole 26 is input. Similarly, even if a detection signal from the second start sensor SE2 is input after the game is controlled to the non-progress state, the main CPU 41 does not execute special symbol input process, and the main CPU 41 does not execute control to suspend the execution of the second special game. In other words, when the game is non-progress, the main CPU 41 does not execute control to suspend the execution of the second special game even if a detection signal from the second start sensor SE2 that can identify that a game ball has entered the second start hole 27 is input. In this way, when the main CPU 41 is in a state where progress cannot be made, the main CPU 41 does not execute control to suspend the execution of the special game even if it receives a detection signal from the start sensors SE1 and SE2 that can identify that a game ball has entered the start holes 26 and 27. In other words, when the main CPU 41 is in a state where progress cannot be made, the suspension control means does not execute suspension control even if it receives a signal from the start ball entry detection means that can identify that a game ball has entered the start hole.

In the gaming machine 10, when the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state, the processing from step S404 onwards is executed, and thereafter, the processing from step S406 to step S407 is repeatedly executed. For this reason, in the gaming machine 10, after the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state, the special symbol start processing is not executed. As a result, when the execution of the first special game is suspended and the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state, the first special game whose execution has been suspended is not executed. Similarly, when the execution of the second special game is suspended and the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state, the second special game whose execution has been suspended is not executed. In this way, when the execution of the special game is suspended and the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state, the special game whose execution has been suspended is not executed. That is, when the execution of the variable game is suspended and the special condition is met and the game is controlled to the non-progression state, the variable game whose execution has been suspended is not executed. In other words, even if the execution of the special game is put on hold before the progress impossible information is stored in the gaming machine 10, if the progress impossible information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to a progress impossible state, the special game that was put on hold before the progress impossible information was stored will not be executed.

As described above, after the non-progression information is stored while a special game is being played, even if a game ball enters the starting hole 26, 27, the special game will not be put on hold as a result of the ball entering, and the special game that was put on hold before the non-progression information was stored will not be played. In other words, after the special condition is met while a variable game is being played, even if a game ball enters the starting hole, the variable game will not be put on hold as a result of the ball entering, and the variable game that was put on hold before the special condition was met will not be played.

In the gaming machine 10, when the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state, the processing from step S404 onwards is executed, and thereafter, the processing from step S406 to step S407 is repeatedly executed. Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, after the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state, the jackpot processing is not executed. As a result, if the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state when the gaming machine 10 is waiting for the occurrence of the jackpot game, the awarding of the jackpot game is not started even if a game ball enters the gate 33. In other words, in the gaming machine 10, when the non-progression information is stored when the gaming machine 10 is waiting for the occurrence of the jackpot game, the awarding of the jackpot game is not started even if a game ball enters the gate 33. In other words, when a special condition is established when the gaming machine 10 is in the awarding waiting state, the awarding of the jackpot game is not started even if a game ball enters the starting ball entry hole.

In the gaming machine 10, when the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state, the processing from step S404 onwards is executed, and thereafter, the processing from step S406 to step S407 is repeatedly executed. For this reason, in the gaming machine 10, after the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state, the prize ball processing is not executed. As a result, when the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state while the special game is being executed, even if a game ball enters the first start hole 26, a prize ball is not awarded in response to the ball entering the first start hole 26 in the non-progression state. Similarly, when the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state while the special game is being executed, even if a game ball enters the second start hole 27, a prize ball is not awarded in response to the ball entering the first start hole 26 in the non-progression state. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, when the non-progression information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-progression state while the special game is being executed, even if a game ball enters the start hole 26, 27, a prize ball is not awarded in response to the ball entering the first start hole 26, 27 in the non-progression state. In other words, if a special condition is met while a variable game is being played and the game is controlled to a state where progress cannot be made, in that state, even if a game ball enters the starting hole, no prize balls will be awarded in response to the ball entering the starting hole.

In addition, when the special game is being executed and the game machine is controlled to the non-progression state by storing non-progression information, in the non-progression state, even if a game ball enters the first large prize opening 29, the prize ball is not awarded in response to the ball entering. Similarly, when the special game is being executed and the game machine is controlled to the non-progression state, in the non-progression state, even if a game ball enters the second large prize opening 31, the prize ball is not awarded in response to the ball entering. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, when the special game is being executed and the game machine is controlled to the non-progression state, even if a game ball enters the large prize openings 29 and 31, the prize ball is not awarded in response to the ball entering. In other words, when the special condition is met and the game machine is controlled to the non-progression state when the variable game is being executed, in the non-progression state, even if a game ball enters the large prize opening, the prize ball is not awarded in response to the ball entering.

In addition, when the special game is being executed and the game machine is controlled to the non-progression state by storing non-progression information, in the non-progression state, even if a game ball enters the first general winning opening 34, no prize balls are awarded in response to the ball entering. Similarly, when the special game is being executed and the game machine is controlled to the non-progression state, in the non-progression state, even if a game ball enters the second general winning opening 35, no prize balls are awarded in response to the ball entering. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, when the special game is being executed and the game machine is controlled to the non-progression state, even if a game ball enters the general winning openings 34 and 35, no prize balls are awarded in response to the ball entering. In other words, when the special condition is met and the game machine is controlled to the non-progression state by executing the variable game, in the non-progression state, even if a game ball enters the general winning opening, no prize balls are awarded in response to the ball entering.

Incidentally, in the gaming machine 10, if the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, the game machine 10 is not controlled to be in a non-progression state until at least the jackpot game ends. For this reason, in the gaming machine 10, when a jackpot game is awarded, control can be executed to suspend the execution of the first special game in the special symbol input process if a game ball enters the first start hole 26, whether before the non-progression information is stored or after the non-progression information is stored. Similarly, in the gaming machine 10, when a jackpot game is awarded, control can be executed to suspend the execution of the second special game in the special symbol input process if a game ball enters the second start hole 27, whether before the non-progression information is stored or after the non-progression information is stored. In other words, in the gaming machine 10, after the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, the execution of the special game can be suspended if a game ball enters the start hole 26, 27 when the jackpot game is awarded. However, even if the execution of the special game is suspended when a game ball enters the start port 26, 27 while the jackpot game is awarded after the non-progress information is stored, the variable game suspended when the jackpot game is awarded is not executed after the jackpot game ends because the game is in a non-progress state after the jackpot game ends. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, the execution of the special game can be suspended when a game ball enters the start port 26, 27 while the jackpot game is awarded after the non-progress information is stored while the jackpot game is awarded, but the special game is not executed after the jackpot game ends. In other words, after a special condition is established while the jackpot game is awarded, the execution of the variable game can be suspended when a game ball enters the start port while the jackpot game is awarded, but the variable game is not executed after the jackpot game ends.

In addition, in the gaming machine 10, even if the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, the game machine is not controlled to a non-progression state until the jackpot game ends, so that when the jackpot game is awarded, if a game ball enters the ball entry port where a prize ball is awarded upon ball entry, a prize ball is awarded. For example, when a jackpot game is awarded and the non-progression information is stored, if a game ball enters the first start port 26, a prize ball is awarded upon the ball entry. For example, when a jackpot game is awarded and the non-progression information is stored, if a game ball enters the second start port 27, a prize ball is awarded upon the ball entry. In other words, when a jackpot game is awarded and the non-progression information is stored, if a game ball enters the start port 26, 27, a prize ball is awarded upon the ball entry. In other words, if a special condition is met while a jackpot has been awarded, and the jackpot has been awarded, if the game ball enters the starting hole, the prize ball will be awarded upon the ball entering the starting hole.

For example, after the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, if a game ball enters the first large prize winning port 29 when the jackpot game is awarded, a prize ball is awarded when the ball enters the first large prize winning port 29. For example, after the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, if a game ball enters the second large prize winning port 31 when the jackpot game is awarded, a prize ball is awarded when the ball enters the second large prize winning port 31. In other words, after the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, if a game ball enters the large prize winning ports 29 and 31 when the jackpot game is awarded, a prize ball is awarded when the ball enters the second large prize winning port 31. In other words, after a special condition is established when a jackpot game is awarded, if a game ball enters the large prize winning port when the jackpot game is awarded, a prize ball is awarded when the ball enters the second large prize winning port.

For example, after non-progress information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, if a game ball enters the first general winning port 34 when the jackpot game is awarded, prize balls are awarded when the ball enters. For example, after non-progress information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, if a game ball enters the second general winning port 35 when the jackpot game is awarded, prize balls are awarded when the ball enters. In other words, after non-progress information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, if a game ball enters the general winning ports 34 and 35 when the jackpot game is awarded, prize balls are awarded when the ball enters. In other words, after a special condition is established when a jackpot game is awarded, if a game ball enters the general winning port when the jackpot game is awarded, prize balls are awarded when the ball enters the general winning port.

In addition, in the gaming machine 10, when the processing of step S404 is executed by the main CPU 41 during execution of the first special game, the state switches from a state in which the light emitters constituting the first special symbol display unit 22a are lit in a lighting state corresponding to the execution of the first special game to a state in which all the light emitters constituting the first special symbol display unit 22a are turned off. For example, when the processing of step S404 is executed by the main CPU 41 while a special symbol is displayed in a fixed stopped state on the first special symbol display unit 22a, the state switches from a state in which at least one of the light emitters constituting the first special symbol display unit 22a is lit to a state in which all the light emitters constituting the first special symbol display unit 22a are turned off.

Similarly, for example, when the process of step S404 is executed by the main CPU 41 while the second special game is being executed, the state switches from a state in which the light emitters constituting the second special symbol display unit 22b are lit in a lighting state corresponding to the state during execution of the second special game to a state in which all the light emitters constituting the second special symbol display unit 22b are turned off. For example, when the process of step S404 is executed by the main CPU 41 while a special symbol is displayed in a fixed stopped state on the second special symbol display unit 22b, the state switches from a state in which at least one of the light emitters constituting the second special symbol display unit 22b is lit to a state in which all the light emitters constituting the second special symbol display unit 22b are turned off.

In step S404, the main CPU 41 turns off the first special symbol display unit 22a. At this time, if the first special game is being played, the first special game being played is forcibly ended by turning off the first special symbol display unit 22a. Similarly, in step S404, the main CPU 41 turns off the second special symbol display unit 22b. At this time, if the second special game is being played, the second special game being played is forcibly ended by turning off the second special symbol display unit 22b. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, when the processing of step S404 is executed during the playing of a special game, the special symbol display units 22a and 22b are turned off, and the special game being played is forcibly ended. In this embodiment, the forcible ending of the special game by turning off the light-emitting element constituting at least one of the display units of the special symbol display units 22a and 22b corresponds to the forcible ending in the second mode.

In the gaming machine 10, if the non-progression information is stored while a special game is being executed, the light-emitting elements constituting the special symbol display units 22a, 22b are turned off, and the special game being executed is forcibly terminated. That is, in this embodiment, if the special condition is met while the variable game is being executed, the variable game being executed is forcibly terminated in the second manner. As described above, in the gaming machine 10, if the non-progression information is stored while a special game is being executed, the game is controlled to a non-progression state due to the non-progression information being stored, and the special game being executed is forcibly terminated. That is, in this embodiment, if a special condition is met while the variable game is being executed, the establishment of the special condition is used as a trigger to control the game to a non-progression state, and the variable game being executed is forcibly terminated.

As described above, in the gaming machine 10, when the special game is being executed and the non-progression information is stored and the game is controlled to a non-progression state, the special game being executed is stopped. In particular, when the execution of the special game is stopped, the special symbol is not displayed as a fixed stop, and the execution of the special game is stopped. For example, in the gaming machine 10, even if the special game being executed is a special game executed based on winning a big win in a big win lottery, if the non-progression information is stored, the game is controlled to a non-progression state, the big win special game is stopped, and the big win game is not awarded. Similarly, for example, in the gaming machine 10, even if the special game being executed is a special game executed based on winning a small win in a small win lottery, if the non-progression information is stored, the game is controlled to a non-progression state, the small win special game is stopped, and the small win game is not awarded.

When the process of step S404 is executed by the main CPU 41 while a special symbol is displayed in a fixed and stopped state on the first special symbol display section 22a, the state switches from a state in which at least one of the light-emitting elements constituting the first special symbol display section 22a is lit to a state in which all of the light-emitting elements constituting the first special symbol display section 22a are turned off. Similarly, when the process of step S404 is executed by the main CPU 41 while a special symbol is displayed in a fixed and stopped state on the second special symbol display section 22b, the state switches from a state in which at least one of the light-emitting elements constituting the second special symbol display section 22b is lit to a state in which all of the light-emitting elements constituting the second special symbol display section 22b are turned off.

In this way, in the gaming machine 10, regardless of whether the progress-disabled information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to the progress-disabled state when the special game is being executed or when the special game is not being executed, all of the light-emitting elements that make up the special symbol display units 22a and 22b are turned off. For this reason, it is difficult to determine from the special symbol display units 22a and 22b after they have been controlled to the progress-disabled state whether a special game was being executed before they were controlled to the progress-disabled state.

In the gaming machine 10, when the processing of step S404 is executed by the main CPU 41 while the execution of the first special game is on hold, the state is switched from a state in which the light-emitting elements constituting the first special hold display unit 22c are lit in a lighting manner that allows the first special hold number to be specified to a state in which all the light-emitting elements constituting the first special hold display unit 22c are turned off. For this reason, for example, when the execution of the first special game is on hold and the progress-impossible information is stored and the game is controlled to a progress-impossible state while the first special game is being executed, the light-emitting elements constituting the first special hold display unit 22c are turned off. Similarly, in the gaming machine 10, when the processing of step S404 is executed by the main CPU 41 while the execution of the second special game is on hold, the state is switched from a state in which the light-emitting elements constituting the second special hold display unit 22d are lit in a lighting manner that allows the second special hold number to be specified to a state in which all the light-emitting elements constituting the second special hold display unit 22d are turned off. Therefore, for example, when the execution of the second special game is on hold, if progress-impossible information is stored while the second special game is being executed and the game is controlled to a progress-impossible state, the light emitter that constitutes the second special hold display section 22d will be turned off.

As described above, in the gaming machine 10, when the execution of a special game is on hold, if the special game is being executed and the progress impossible information is stored and the game is controlled to the progress impossible state, the light emitters constituting the special hold display units 22c, 22d are turned off. In other words, when the execution of a variable game is on hold, if the special condition is met and the game is controlled to the progress impossible state while the variable game is being executed, the light emitters constituting the hold light emitting means are turned off.

In the gaming machine 10, when the processing of step S404 is executed by the main CPU 41 during the execution of the normal game, the situation is switched from a situation in which the light-emitting elements constituting the normal symbol display unit 22e are lit in a lighting state corresponding to the execution of the normal game to a situation in which all the light-emitting elements constituting the normal symbol display unit 22e are turned off. For example, when the processing of step S404 is executed by the main CPU 41 when a normal symbol is displayed in a fixed stop state on the normal symbol display unit 22e, the situation is switched from a situation in which at least one light-emitting element constituting the normal symbol display unit 22e is lit to a situation in which all the light-emitting elements constituting the normal symbol display unit 22e are turned off. In step S404, the main CPU 41 turns off the normal symbol display unit 22e. At this time, if the normal game is being executed, the normal game being executed is forcibly ended by turning off the normal symbol display unit 22e. In the gaming machine 10, regardless of whether the progress-disabled information is stored and the game is controlled to the progress-disabled state when the normal game is being played or when the normal game is not being played, all of the light-emitting elements that make up the normal symbol display unit 22e are turned off. For this reason, it is difficult to determine from the normal symbol display unit 22e after it has been controlled to the progress-disabled state whether the normal game was being played before it was controlled to the progress-disabled state.

In the gaming machine 10, when the processing of step S404 is executed by the main CPU 41 while the execution of the normal game is on hold, the state switches from a state in which the light-emitting elements constituting the normal hold display unit 22f are lit in a lighting pattern that allows the normal hold number to be identified, to a state in which all light-emitting elements constituting the normal hold display unit 22f are turned off. For this reason, for example, when the execution of the normal game is on hold and progress impossibility information is stored while the normal game is being executed and the game is controlled to a progress impossibility state, the light-emitting elements constituting the normal hold display unit 22f are turned off.

In the gaming machine 10, when the main CPU 41 executes the process of step S404 in a situation where right hitting is recommended, the right hit notification lamp 22g switches from being lit to being turned off. For this reason, for example, when the right hit notification lamp 22g is lit and a special game is being played, if progress-impossible information is stored and control is exercised to a progress-impossible state, the right hit notification lamp 22g is turned off. In other words, when the specific area light-emitting means is lit and a variable game is being played and a special condition is met and control is exercised to a progress-impossible state, the specific area light-emitting means is turned off.

Next, the control executed by the secondary CPU 51 in association with control being made to the progress-impossible state will be described.
As shown in Figure 12 (a), when the secondary CPU 51 inputs a progress-impossible preliminary command, it controls the performance display device 25 to display a control preview image SY corresponding to an image that can identify that the game will be controlled to a progress-impossible state.

Specifically, when a reserve command for preventing progress is input when a jackpot game is awarded, the secondary CPU 51 controls the performance display device 25 to display the control notice image SY. In the gaming machine 10, displaying the control notice image SY on the performance display device 25 when a jackpot game is awarded corresponds to suggesting or notifying information that can identify that the game will be controlled to a state where progress cannot be made after the jackpot game ends. In this embodiment, the performance display device 25 functions as an information presentation means that can suggest or notify information.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 10, the non-progression preliminary command is control information that is output to the secondary CPU 51 when non-progression information is stored, and corresponds to control information that is output to the secondary CPU 51 when a special condition is met. In this way, when a jackpot game is awarded and a special condition is met, the performance display device 25 suggests or notifies information that can identify that the game will be controlled to the non-progression information after the jackpot game ends when the jackpot game is awarded. In other words, the information presentation means suggests or notifies information that can identify that the game will be controlled to the non-progression state after the jackpot game ends when the jackpot game is awarded and a special condition is met when the jackpot game is awarded.

In a situation where a non-progress preparatory command is input when a jackpot game has been awarded, the secondary CPU 51 executes the jackpot performance. In this case, the secondary CPU 51 does not end the execution of the jackpot performance. Therefore, if a non-progress preparatory command is input when a jackpot game has been awarded, the secondary CPU 51 controls the performance display device 25 so that the control notice image SY is displayed while continuing to execute the jackpot performance.

Similarly, when the secondary CPU 51 inputs a progress-impossible preliminary command when a small win is awarded, it controls the performance display device 25 so that the control notice image SY is displayed. In the gaming machine 10, displaying the control notice image SY on the performance display device 25 when a small win is awarded corresponds to suggesting or notifying identifiable information that the game will be controlled to a progress-impossible state after the small win is awarded. In this way, when a special condition is established when a small win is awarded, the performance display device 25 suggests or notifies identifiable information that the game will be controlled to a progress-impossible state after the small win is awarded. In other words, when a special condition is established when a small win is awarded, the information presentation means suggests or notifies identifiable information that the game will be controlled to a progress-impossible state after the small win is awarded.

In a situation where a non-progress preparatory command is input when a small win has been awarded, the secondary CPU 51 executes the small win presentation. In this case, the secondary CPU 51 does not end the execution of the small win presentation. Therefore, if a non-progress preparatory command is input when a small win has been awarded, the secondary CPU 51 controls the presentation display device 25 so that the control notice image SY is displayed while continuing to execute the small win presentation.

The control notice image SY in this embodiment is an image that includes text information such as "You will soon be controlled to an unprogressable state." The control notice image SY can be said to be an image whose content suggests or notifies in advance that you will be controlled to an unprogressable state.

The sub-CPU 51 does not display the control notice image SY if it inputs a non-progression preparatory command when neither a big win nor a small win has been awarded. For example, the sub-CPU 51 does not display the control notice image SY even if it inputs a non-progression preparatory command while a presentation game is being played. For example, the sub-CPU 51 does not display the control notice image SY even if it inputs a non-progression preparatory command when waiting for a big win to occur. In this way, the gaming machine 10 does not display the control notice image SY in a situation where the game is controlled to be in a non-progression state at approximately the same time as the non-progression information is stored. On the other hand, the gaming machine 10 may display the control notice image SY in a situation where the game is not controlled to be in a non-progression state at approximately the same time as the non-progression information is stored.

As shown in FIG. 12(b), when the secondary CPU 51 inputs an impossible-to-progress command, it controls the performance display device 25 to display a controlled image SF, which corresponds to an image that identifies that the game has been controlled to an impossible-to-progress state. In this embodiment, the controlled image SF is an image that includes text information saying "Controlled to an impossible-to-progress state." The controlled image SF can be said to be an image with content that suggests or notifies that the game has been controlled to an impossible-to-progress state. In this embodiment, the controlled image SF is an image that includes text information saying "It is not possible to proceed with the game." The controlled image SF can be said to be an image with content that suggests or notifies that the game cannot be proceeded with.

If a progress disable command is input when a performance symbol is being displayed, the sub-CPU 51 erases the displayed performance symbol. The sub-CPU 51 erases the displayed performance symbol and ends the display of the performance symbol. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, when a performance symbol is displayed on the performance display device 25, if progress disable information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to a progress disable state, the display of the performance symbol displayed on the performance display device 25 ends. For example, in the gaming machine 10, when a performance symbol is displayed on the performance display device 25 and progress disable information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to a progress disable state while a special game is being executed, the display of the performance symbol displayed on the performance display device 25 ends. In this way, the display of the performance symbol is ended, and the performance game being executed is forcibly ended.

If a progress-impossible command is input when even one reserved image Ha, Hb is displayed, the sub-CPU 51 erases the reserved images Ha, Hb being displayed. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 erases all of the reserved images Ha, Hb being displayed and ends the display of the reserved images Ha, Hb. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, when the reserved images Ha, Hb are displayed on the performance display device 25, if progress-impossible information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to a progress-impossible state, the display of the reserved images Ha, Hb displayed on the performance display device 25 ends. That is, when a reserved image is displayed on the reserve display means, if a special condition is met and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to a progress-impossible state, the display of the reserved images displayed on the reserve display means ends. For example, in the gaming machine 10, when the reserved images Ha, Hb are displayed on the performance display device 25, if progress-impossible information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to a progress-impossible state while a special game is being executed, the display of the reserved images Ha, Hb displayed on the performance display device 25 ends. In other words, when a reserved image is displayed on the reserved display means and a special condition is met while a variable game is being played and the game is controlled to a state where progress cannot be made, the display of the reserved image displayed on the reserved display means ends.

When the in-progress image ZGa, ZGb is displayed and a progress disable command is input, the sub-CPU 51 erases the in-progress image ZGa, ZGb being displayed. The sub-CPU 51 erases the in-progress image ZGa, ZGb being displayed and ends the display of the in-progress image ZGa, ZGb. In this way, when the in-progress image ZGa, ZGb is displayed on the performance display device 25, if progress disable information is stored and the device is controlled to a progress disable state, the display of the in-progress image ZGa, ZGb displayed on the performance display device 25 ends. That is, when the in-progress image is displayed on the in-progress display means, if a special condition is established and the device is controlled to a progress disable state, the display of the in-progress image displayed on the in-progress display means ends. For example, in the gaming machine 10, when the in-progress image ZGa, ZGb is displayed on the performance display device 25 and progress disable information is stored and the device is controlled to a progress disable state while a special game is being executed, the display of the in-progress image ZGa, ZGb displayed on the performance display device 25 ends. In other words, when an in-progress image is displayed on the in-progress display means, if a special condition is met during the execution of a variable game and the game is controlled to an inprogress impossible state, the display of the in-progress image displayed on the in-progress display means will end.

If a progress-impossible command is input when a right-hit notification effect is being executed, the sub-CPU 51 erases the image YG1 and the text information MJ1, and ends the right-hit notification effect. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, when a right-hit notification effect is being executed and progress-impossible information is stored and the right-hit notification effect is controlled to a progress-impossible state, the right-hit notification effect ends. In other words, when a specific area effect is being executed and a special condition is met and the right-hit notification effect is controlled to a progress-impossible state, the specific area effect ends. For example, when a right-hit notification effect is being executed and a special game is being executed and progress-impossible information is stored and the right-hit notification effect is controlled to a progress-impossible state, the right-hit notification effect ends. In other words, when a specific area effect is being executed and a variable game is being executed and a special condition is met and the right-hit notification effect is controlled to a progress-impossible state, the specific area effect ends.

If a progress-impossible command is input when the left-hit notification effect is being executed, the secondary CPU 51 erases the image YG2 and the text information MJ2 and ends the left-hit notification effect. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, when the left-hit notification effect is being executed and progress-impossible information is stored and the game is controlled to a progress-impossible state, the left-hit notification effect ends. In other words, when the non-specific area effect is being executed and a special condition is met and the game is controlled to a progress-impossible state, the non-specific area effect ends. For example, when the left-hit notification effect is being executed and a special game is being executed and progress-impossible information is stored and the game is controlled to a progress-impossible state, the left-hit notification effect ends. In other words, when the non-specific area effect is being executed and a variable game is being executed and a special condition is met and the game is controlled to a progress-impossible state, the non-specific area effect ends.

Next, the control of the launch of game balls by the launching device 70 will be described.
In the gaming machine 10, the launch drive circuit 73 executes launch control corresponding to the control related to the launch of the game ball based on the operation of the launch handle 16. In the launch control, the launch drive circuit 73 executes ball feed control for sending the game ball before being launched to the launch position W2, and hammer control for hitting the game ball at the launch position W2 with the hammer part 72a. In this way, the launch control is configured to include ball feed control for sending the game ball before being launched to a predetermined launch position, and hammer control for hitting the game ball at the launch position with a hammer. In the launch control, the launch drive circuit 73 executes the ball feed control and then executes the hammer control. In this embodiment, the launch drive circuit 73 executes the launch control, thereby realizing a function as a launch control means capable of executing the launch control related to the launch of the game ball.

In ball feed control, the launch drive circuit 73 operates the ball feed actuator 71a. At this time, if a game ball is located at the waiting position W1, the game ball is sent to the launch position W2. In hammer control, the launch drive circuit 73 operates the hammer actuator 72b. Specifically, the launch drive circuit 73 operates the hammer actuator 72b so that the game ball is launched with a launch intensity corresponding to a signal that can identify the amount of operation of the launch handle 16. At this time, if a game ball is located at the launch position W2, the game ball is launched with a launch intensity corresponding to the amount of operation of the launch handle 16.

However, this does not apply when a stop signal is input to the launch device 70. Specifically, when a stop signal is input, the launch drive circuit 73 does not execute ball feed control and does not operate the ball feed actuator 71a, even if it inputs a signal that can identify the amount of operation of the launch handle 16 and a detection signal from the touch sensor TS. Similarly, when a stop signal is input, the launch drive circuit 73 does not execute hammer control and does not operate the hammer actuator 72b, even if it inputs a signal that can identify the amount of operation of the launch handle 16 and a detection signal from the touch sensor TS. As a result, when a stop signal is input to the launch device 70, the game ball is not launched even if the launch handle 16 is operated.

As described above, the stop signal is output to the launch device 70 when the gaming machine 10 is controlled to an unprogressable state. For this reason, when the gaming machine 10 is controlled to an unprogressable state, launch control is not executed. Specifically, when the gaming machine 10 is controlled to an unprogressable state, ball forwarding control is not executed. In other words, when a special condition is met and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to an unprogressable state, ball forwarding control is not executed. Furthermore, when the gaming machine 10 is controlled to an unprogressable state, mallet control is not executed. In other words, when a special condition is met and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to an unprogressable state, mallet control is not executed. As described above, when a special condition is met and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to an unprogressable state, launch control is not executed.

For example, if non-progression information is stored during the execution of a special game and the game is controlled to a non-progression state, the game ball will not be launched in the non-progression state even if the launch handle 16 is operated. In other words, if a special condition is met when a variable game is being executed and the game is controlled to a non-progression state, the game ball will not be launched in the non-progression state even if the launch handle 16 is operated. In particular, if non-progression information is stored during the execution of a special game and the game is controlled to a non-progression state, the ball forwarding control will not be executed and the game ball will not be launched in the non-progression state even if the launch handle 16 is operated. In other words, if a special condition is met when a variable game is being executed and the game is controlled to a non-progression state, the ball forwarding control will not be executed and the game ball will not be launched in the non-progression state even if the launch handle is operated.

In the gaming machine 10, a prize ball presentation related to the awarded prize balls can be executed. In the gaming machine 10, a prize ball image WG is displayed on the presentation display device 25 as prize ball award information related to the awarded prize balls, and the prize ball presentation is executed. In this embodiment, the presentation display device 25 functions as an information display means capable of displaying prize ball award information related to the awarded prize balls. In the gaming machine 10, the prize ball presentation suggests or notifies the number of prize balls that have been awarded in response to the entry of a gaming ball into the jackpot opening 29, 31 after a jackpot has been won in a normal low probability state.

As shown in FIG. 13, the prize ball image WG includes text information that can identify the number of game balls awarded as prize balls. For example, the prize ball image WG shown in FIG. 13 includes the text information "1200 balls won." This corresponds to text information that can identify that the number of some or all of the prize balls awarded upon winning a jackpot in a normal low probability state and then balls entering the jackpot openings 29 and 31 is "1200 balls."

The prize ball presentation is executed when a big win game is awarded. The presentation display device 25 can execute the prize ball presentation at least when a big win game is awarded. That is, the information display means can display prize ball award information at least when a big win game is awarded. The prize ball presentation is executed when a small win game is awarded. The presentation display device 25 can execute the prize ball presentation at least when a small win game is awarded. That is, the information display means can display prize ball award information at least when a small win game is awarded. The prize ball presentation is executed when in a specific low probability state. The presentation display device 25 can execute the prize ball presentation at least when in a specific low probability state. The prize ball presentation is executed when in a specific high probability state. The presentation display device 25 can execute the prize ball presentation at least when in a specific high probability state. The prize ball presentation is executed when in a special state. The presentation display device 25 can execute the prize ball presentation at least when in a special state. The prize ball presentation is executed when in a state waiting for a big win game to occur. The effect display device 25 can execute the prize ball effect at least when waiting for a jackpot game to occur.

The following describes the control involved in executing the winning ball presentation.
When a detection signal from the first count sensor SE3 is input, the main CPU 41 stores in the output buffer control information (hereinafter referred to as a first large prize opening command) capable of identifying that a gaming ball has entered the first large prize opening 29. When a detection signal from the second count sensor SE4 is input, the main CPU 41 stores in the output buffer control information (hereinafter referred to as a second large prize opening command) capable of identifying that a gaming ball has entered the second large prize opening 31.

Information regarding prize ball presentation (hereinafter referred to as prize ball presentation information) is stored in the secondary RAM 53. When the secondary CPU 51 inputs a first large prize opening command, it adds 10 to a value that can be determined from the prize ball presentation information, and updates the prize ball presentation information. Similarly, when the secondary CPU 51 inputs a second large prize opening command while a small prize game has been awarded, it adds 10 to a value that can be determined from the prize ball presentation information, and updates the prize ball presentation information.

When a big win game is awarded, the sub-CPU 51 controls the performance display device 25 so that a prize ball performance is executed. When a small win game is awarded, the sub-CPU 51 controls the performance display device 25 so that a prize ball performance is executed. When a specific low probability state is in place, the sub-CPU 51 controls the performance display device 25 so that a prize ball performance is executed. When a specific high probability state is in place, the sub-CPU 51 controls the performance display device 25 so that a prize ball performance is executed. When a special state is in place, the sub-CPU 51 controls the performance display device 25 so that a prize ball performance is executed. When a big win game is waiting to occur, the sub-CPU 51 controls the performance display device 25 so that a prize ball performance is executed.

The sub-CPU 51 specifies the number of prize balls to be announced in the prize ball presentation from a value that can be determined from the prize ball presentation information, and controls the presentation display device 25 to display a prize ball image WG including text information that can determine the number of prize balls, thereby controlling the presentation display device 25 to execute the prize ball presentation. For example, if the value that can be determined from the prize ball presentation information is "1200", the sub-CPU 51 controls the presentation display device 25 to display a prize ball image WG including text information saying "1200 balls won", thereby executing the prize ball presentation.

Next, a control will be described when the progress impossibility information is stored in the main RAM 43 when the power supply is resumed.
When the main CPU 41 stores a return command in the output buffer during main power-on processing, it determines whether or not progress impossibility information is stored in the main RAM 43. If progress impossibility information is stored, the main CPU 41 stores either the first impossible return command or the second impossible return command in the output buffer. On the other hand, if progress impossibility information is not stored, the main CPU 41 does not store either the first impossible return command or the second impossible return command in the output buffer, and does not output them.

When the main CPU 41 stores the first unrecoverable return command in the output buffer if the unrecoverable information is stored and the game is to return to either the processing of step S406 or the processing of step S407 in the unrecoverable processing. On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 stores the second unrecoverable return command in the output buffer if the unrecoverable information is stored and the game is not to return to either the processing of step S406 or the processing of step S407 in the unrecoverable processing. As described above, the first unrecoverable return command corresponds to control information that can identify that the game was already controlled to the unrecoverable state before the power supply was cut off. On the other hand, the second unrecoverable return command corresponds to control information that cannot identify whether the game was already controlled to the unrecoverable state before the power supply was cut off. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, at least a part of the control information output when the power supply is resumed differs depending on whether the game was already controlled to the unrecoverable state when the power supply is stopped. For example, in the gaming machine 10, when the power supply is stopped after a special condition is established, at least a part of the control information output when the power supply is resumed differs depending on whether the game was already controlled to the unrecoverable state before the power supply was stopped. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 outputs control information, thereby realizing the function of a control information output means that outputs control information.

When the first impossible return command is input, the secondary CPU 51 controls the performance display device 25 so that the controlled image SF (shown in FIG. 12(b)) is displayed. On the other hand, when the second impossible return command is input, the secondary CPU 51 controls the performance display device 25 so that the control preview image SY (shown in FIG. 12(a)) is displayed.

Here, an example will be described in which the power supply is interrupted after the progress impossibility information is stored, and then the power supply is resumed.
In Fig. 14, it is assumed that the progress impossible information is stored, and the power supply is cut off after the progress impossible information is stored and the progress impossible state is controlled. In this case, when the power supply is resumed (shown as power resumed in Fig. 14), the secondary CPU 51 performs the initial operation of the movable body 24. In this way, when the power supply is resumed, the initial operation of the movable body 24 is performed. Also, since the power supply was cut off after the progress impossible state was already controlled, when the power supply is resumed, a first impossible return command is output to the secondary CPU 51, and the controlled image SF is displayed on the performance display device 25.

In addition, in the gaming machine 10, the display of the controlled image SF begins at a timing Tw after the initial operation of the movable body 24 has begun. In other words, in the gaming machine 10, when the power supply is cut off after the progress-impossible information is stored and the gaming machine 10 is controlled to a progress-impossible state as a result of the storage of the progress-impossible information, and then the power supply is resumed, the initial operation of the movable body 24 begins, and the display of the controlled image SF begins at a timing Tw when a time Td has elapsed since the initial operation began. In this way, there is a time difference of time Td between the timing when the initial operation of the movable body 24 begins and the timing when the display of the controlled image SF begins. After that, in the gaming machine 10, even if the initial operation of the movable body 24 ends, the controlled image SF continues to be displayed on the performance display device 25. Incidentally, the display of the controlled image SF continues at least until the power supply is cut off.

Figure 14 shows an example in which the first unrecoverable return command is output, but if the second unrecoverable return command is output, the control preview image SY will be displayed on the performance display device 25 instead of the controlled image SF. Even if the second unrecoverable return command is output, the display of the control preview image SY will start after the initial operation of the movable body 24 has started. In other words, there is a time difference between the timing when the initial operation of the movable body 24 starts and the timing when the display of the control preview image SY starts. This time difference may be the same as the time Td when the first unrecoverable return command is output, or it may be different.

Next, various situations when the impossible-to-progress information is stored in the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 15 to FIG.
First, an example of a case where no progress impossibility information is stored will be described.

As shown in FIG. 15, for example, when it is in a special state, the first special game is not being executed, while the second special game is being executed. At this time, the first special reserved number is "0", and the second special reserved number is "2". Furthermore, it is assumed that the second special game being executed is a special game executed based on winning a jackpot, and the first jackpot has been determined as the type of jackpot. This second special game corresponds to the second special game that will be the first jackpot. During the execution of the second special game that will be the first jackpot, since it is in a special state, the right hit notification lamp 22g is lit. Similarly, during the execution of the second special game that will be the first jackpot, since it is in a special state, the right hit notification effect is executed in the performance display device 25. During the execution of the second special game that will be the first jackpot, since it is in a special state, the prize ball effect is executed in the performance display device 25. During the execution of the second special game that will be the first jackpot, since it is in a special state, the performance display device 25 displays the execution image ZGb. During the execution of the second special game, which is the first jackpot, the effect display device 25 displays reserved images Ha and Hb corresponding to the reserved special games. In the example shown in FIG. 15, since the first special reserved number is "0" and the second special reserved number is "2", the effect display device 25 does not display reserved image Ha, but displays reserved images H1b and H2b. During the execution of the second special game, which is the first jackpot, since a special state is present, the effect display device 25 displays an effect pattern and executes an effect game.

In the gaming machine 10, when the first jackpot symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the second special game at timing t11, the gaming machine 10 enters a state of waiting for the jackpot game to occur. At this time, neither the first special game nor the second special game is being executed. When the gaming machine 10 is in a state of waiting for the jackpot game to occur, the right-hit notification lamp 22g is lit. When the gaming machine 10 is in a state of waiting for the jackpot game to occur, the right-hit notification effect is executed in the effect display device 25. When the gaming machine 10 is in a state of waiting for the jackpot game to occur, the effect display device 25 executes a prize ball effect. When the gaming machine 10 is in a state of waiting for the jackpot game to occur, the effect display device 25 executes an effect of waiting for the jackpot game to occur. When the gaming machine 10 is in a state of waiting for the jackpot game to occur, the effect display device 25 does not display the images ZGa and ZGb in progress. When the gaming machine 10 is in a state of waiting for the jackpot game to occur, the effect display device 25 displays the reserved images Ha and Hb corresponding to the reserved special game. When waiting for a big win to occur, the effect display device 25 displays an effect pattern.

Furthermore, when a game ball enters the gate 33 at timing t12 in the waiting state for the occurrence of the jackpot game, the entry of the game ball is used as a trigger to award the first jackpot game. When the first jackpot game is awarded, the right-hit notification lamp 22g is lit. When the first jackpot game is awarded, the right-hit notification performance is executed on the performance display device 25. When the first jackpot game is awarded, the prize ball performance is executed on the performance display device 25. When the first jackpot game is awarded, the jackpot performance is executed on the performance display device 25. When the first jackpot game is awarded, the performance display device 25 does not display the in-play images ZGa and ZGb. When the first jackpot game is awarded, the performance display device 25 does not display the reserved images Ha and Hb. When the first jackpot game is awarded, the performance display device 25 does not display the performance pattern.

Then, when the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, it is controlled to a specific high probability state. When it is controlled to a specific high probability state, the second special game whose execution has been put on hold is executed. Incidentally, the first second special game executed after the end of the first jackpot game does not win either a jackpot or a small jackpot, and is a miss. This second special game corresponds to the second special game that is a miss. During the execution of the second special game that is a miss, the right hit notification lamp 22g is lit because it is in a specific high probability state. Similarly, during the execution of the second special game that is a miss, the right hit notification effect is executed on the performance display device 25 because it is in a specific high probability state. During the execution of the second special game that is a miss, the performance display device 25 executes a prize ball effect because it is in a specific high probability state. During the execution of the second special game that is a miss, the performance display device 25 displays the execution image ZGb. During the execution of the second special game that is a miss, the performance display device 25 displays the reserved images Ha and Hb corresponding to the reserved special game. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the first special reserved number is "0" and the second special reserved number is "1", so the effect display device 25 does not display reserved image Ha, but displays reserved image H1b. During the execution of the second special game, which is a loss, a specific high probability state is reached, so the effect display device 25 displays an effect pattern and executes the effect game.

As described above, assuming that the game is played when no progress impossibility information is stored, the following describes cases where progress impossibility information is stored in various situations, as exemplified below.
First, a case where progress impossibility information is stored at timing Ta1 when the second special game which results in the first big win in the special state is being executed will be described.

If non-progression information is stored at time Ta1 when the second special game which will result in the first jackpot in the special state is being played, the game is controlled to a non-progression state. If non-progression information is stored at time Ta1 when the second special game which will result in the first jackpot in the special state is being played, the right-hit notification presentation that was being played ends. If non-progression information is stored at time Ta1 when the second special game which will result in the first jackpot in the special state is being played, the prize ball presentation that was being played ends. If non-progression information is stored at time Ta1 when the second special game which will result in the first jackpot in the special state is being played, the controlled image SF is displayed on the presentation display device 25.

When the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta1 when the second special game that will be the first jackpot is being played in the special state, all the light-emitting elements that make up the first special symbol display section 22a, where the special symbol was displayed as a fixed stop, are turned off. Furthermore, when the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta1 when the second special game that will be the first jackpot is being played in the special state, all the light-emitting elements that make up the first special hold display section 22c are turned off. Furthermore, when the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta1 when the second special game that will be the first jackpot is being played in the special state, all the light-emitting elements that make up the second special symbol display section 22b, where the special symbol was displayed as a variable, are turned off. Furthermore, when the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta1 when the second special game that will be the first jackpot is being played in the special state, all the light-emitting elements that make up the second special hold display section 22d are turned off. When the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta1 when the second special game that will be the first jackpot is being played in the special state, the right hit notification lamp 22g that was turned on is turned off.

If the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta1 when the second special game which will result in the first jackpot in the special state is being executed, the in-progress image ZGb displayed on the performance display device 25 is erased (shown as not displayed in FIG. 15). Furthermore, if the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta1 when the second special game which will result in the first jackpot in the special state is being executed, the reserved images H1b, H2b displayed on the performance display device 25 are erased. Furthermore, if the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta1 when the second special game which will result in the first jackpot in the special state is being executed, the performance pattern displayed on the performance display device 25 is erased. As a result, the performance game being executed is stopped and forcibly ended.

If non-progression information is stored at time Ta1 when the second special game, which will result in the first jackpot in the special state, is being played, the execution of the special game will not be put on hold thereafter. Also, if non-progression information is stored at time Ta1 when the second special game, which will result in the first jackpot in the special state, is being played, prize balls will not be awarded thereafter.

For example, suppose that a game ball enters the second start hole 27 at timing t21 after the non-progress information is stored at timing Ta1 when the second special game that is the first jackpot is being played in the special state. In this case, the ball entering the second start hole 27 at timing t21 triggers the execution of the second special game to not be put on hold again (in FIG. 15, it is shown that the second special game is not put on hold). Furthermore, the ball entering the second start hole 27 at timing t21 triggers no prize balls to be awarded (in FIG. 15, it is shown that no prize balls are awarded). Similarly, suppose that a game ball enters the second general prize hole 35 at timing t22 after the non-progress information is stored at timing Ta1 when the second special game that is the first jackpot is being played in the special state. In this case, the ball entering the second general prize hole 35 at timing t22 triggers no prize balls to be awarded.

If non-progress information is stored at timing Ta1 when the second special game resulting in the first jackpot is being played in the special state, the first jackpot game will not be awarded thereafter. In other words, even if the second special game resulting in the first jackpot is being played, if non-progress information is stored when the second special game resulting in the first jackpot is being played, the first jackpot game will not be awarded. In addition, the game will not be controlled to the high probability state that would be controlled after the end of the first jackpot game, and the special game will not be played in the high probability state. Here, the second special game resulting in the first jackpot is exemplified, but the same applies to the second special game resulting in the second jackpot.

Next, referring to FIG. 16, a case where progress impossibility information is stored at timing Ta2 in the waiting state for a jackpot game to occur will be described. Note that timing Ta2 is assumed to be a timing prior to timing t12. In other words, timing Ta2 is assumed to be a timing prior to the game ball entering gate 33.

If progress-impossible information is stored at timing Ta2 in the jackpot game waiting state, the game is controlled to a progress-impossible state. If progress-impossible information is stored at timing Ta2 in the jackpot game waiting state, the right-hit notification presentation that was being executed ends. If progress-impossible information is stored at timing Ta2 in the jackpot game waiting state, the prize ball presentation that was being executed ends. If progress-impossible information is stored at timing Ta2 in the jackpot game waiting state, the presentation that was being executed ends. If progress-impossible information is stored at timing Ta2 in the jackpot game waiting state, the presentation that was being executed ends. If progress-impossible information is stored at timing Ta2 in the jackpot game waiting state, the controlled image SF is displayed on the presentation display device 25.

When the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta2 in the waiting state for the jackpot game to occur, all the light-emitting elements constituting the first special symbol display section 22a where the special symbol was displayed as a fixed stop are turned off. Furthermore, when the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta2 in the waiting state for the jackpot game to occur, all the light-emitting elements constituting the first special hold display section 22c are turned off. Furthermore, when the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta2 in the waiting state for the jackpot game to occur, all the light-emitting elements constituting the second special symbol display section 22b where the special symbol was displayed as a fixed stop are turned off. Furthermore, when the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta2 in the waiting state for the jackpot game to occur, all the light-emitting elements constituting the second special hold display section 22d are turned off. When the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta2 in the waiting state for the jackpot game to occur, the right hit notification lamp 22g that was turned on is turned off.

If the impossible-to-progress information is stored at time Ta2 while waiting for a jackpot game to occur, the situation in which the active images ZGa and ZGb are not displayed continues. Furthermore, if the impossible-to-progress information is stored at time Ta2 while waiting for a jackpot game to occur, the reserved images H1b and H2b displayed on the performance display device 25 are erased. Furthermore, if the impossible-to-progress information is stored at time Ta2 while waiting for a jackpot game to occur, the performance pattern displayed on the performance display device 25 is erased.

If the non-progress information is stored at timing Ta2 in the waiting state for the jackpot game to occur, prize balls will not be awarded thereafter. For example, if the non-progress information is stored at timing Ta2 in the waiting state for the jackpot game to occur, prize balls will not be awarded thereafter even if game balls enter the general winning openings 34, 35. Also, if the non-progress information is stored at timing Ta2 in the waiting state for the jackpot game to occur, the first jackpot game will not be awarded thereafter. In other words, if the non-progress information is stored in the waiting state for the jackpot game to occur from the end of the second special game that becomes the first jackpot to the actual awarding of the first jackpot game, the first jackpot game will not be awarded. And, it will not be controlled to the high probability state that should be controlled after the end of the first jackpot game, and the special game will not be executed in the high probability state.

As described above, in the gaming machine 10, during the period from when the special game based on winning a jackpot starts until the special game ends and the jackpot game is awarded, if the non-progression information is stored during the execution of the special game based on winning a jackpot and the jackpot game is waiting to occur, the gaming machine 10 is controlled to a non-progression state. And, in the gaming machine 10, during the period from when the special game based on winning a jackpot starts until the special game ends and the jackpot game is awarded, during the execution of the special game based on winning a jackpot and the jackpot game is waiting to occur, if the non-progression information is stored, the jackpot game is not awarded. In other words, if a special condition is established during the period from when the variable game based on winning a jackpot starts until the variable game ends and the jackpot game is awarded, the gaming machine 10 is controlled to a non-progression state triggered by the establishment of the special condition, and the jackpot game is not awarded.

Next, with reference to FIG. 17, a case where progress impossible information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first big win game is awarded will be described.
If the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the award of the jackpot game continues without being controlled to the non-progression state at least until the jackpot game ends. If the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the control notice image SY is displayed on the performance display device 25. Even if the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the prize ball performance being executed continues to be executed. If the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the right-hit notification performance being executed continues to be executed.

If the progress impossible information is stored at the timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the display content of the first special symbol display section 22a does not change, and the special symbol continues to be displayed as a fixed stop. Also, if the progress impossible information is stored at the timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the display content of the first special hold display section 22c does not change. If the progress impossible information is stored at the timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the display content of the second special symbol display section 22b does not change, and the special symbol continues to be displayed as a fixed stop. Also, if the progress impossible information is stored at the timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the display content of the second special hold display section 22d does not change. If the progress impossible information is stored at the timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the right hit notification lamp 22g that is lit continues to be lit.

If the non-progression information is stored at time Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the situation in which the active images ZGa and ZGb are not displayed continues. Furthermore, if the non-progression information is stored at time Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the situation in which the reserved images Ha and Hb are not displayed continues. If the non-progression information is stored at time Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the situation in which the performance symbols are not displayed continues.

In the case where the non-progression information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, and then, at timing t31 before the end of the jackpot game, a game ball enters the second starting hole 27. In this case, the ball entering the second starting hole 27 at timing t31 is used as a trigger to put the execution of the second special game on hold, and the second special reserved number increases from "2" to "3". Furthermore, the ball entering the second starting hole 27 at timing t31 is used as a trigger to award prize balls. Note that, if the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit number of "4" at timing t31, the ball entering the second starting hole 27 at timing t31 is used as a trigger to not put the execution of the second special game on hold. However, even if the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit number of "4" at timing t31, the ball entering the second starting hole 27 at timing t31 is used as a trigger to award prize balls. Although not shown, suppose that non-progression information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, and then a game ball enters the first starting hole 26 before the jackpot game ends. In this case, if the number of first special reserved games has not reached the upper limit, the execution of the first special game is put on hold. Also, at this time, prize balls are awarded regardless of whether the number of first special reserved games has reached the upper limit.

If the non-progression information is stored at time Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, and then a game ball enters the second general winning opening 35 at time t32 before the jackpot game ends. In this case, the ball entering the second general winning opening 35 at time t32 is the trigger for a prize ball to be awarded. Although not shown, if the non-progression information is stored at time Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, and then a game ball enters the first general winning opening 34 before the jackpot game ends, a prize ball will be awarded.

If the first jackpot game ends at timing t13 after the non-progress information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the right-hit notification presentation that was being executed ends. If the first jackpot game ends at timing t13 after the non-progress information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the prize ball presentation that was being executed ends. If the first jackpot game ends at timing t13 after the non-progress information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the controlled image SF is displayed on the presentation display device 25. At this time, the presentation display device 25 ends the display of the control notice image SY and starts displaying the controlled image SF.

In this way, in the gaming machine 10, if the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game has been awarded and the prize ball presentation is being executed, the execution of the prize ball presentation continues at least until the jackpot game ends. In other words, if a special condition is established when a jackpot game has been awarded and the prize ball award information is being displayed on the information display means, the display of the prize ball award information continues at least until the specified end timing.

After the progress impossibility information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, when the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, all the light-emitting devices constituting the first special symbol display section 22a where the special symbol was displayed as a fixed stop are turned off. Furthermore, after the progress impossibility information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, when the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, all the light-emitting devices constituting the first special reserve display section 22c are turned off. Furthermore, after the progress impossibility information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, when the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, all the light-emitting devices constituting the second special reserve display section 22b where the special symbol was displayed as a fixed stop are turned off. Furthermore, after the progress impossibility information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, when the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, all the light-emitting devices constituting the second special reserve display section 22d are turned off. Incidentally, in FIG. 17, the display content of the second special reserve display section 22d is shown as "2 → off". However, if the number of second special reserves increases to "3" due to the ball entering the second starting hole 27 at timing t31, the display content of the second special reserve display section 22d becomes "3 → off". After the progress impossibility information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, if the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, the right hit notification lamp 22g that was on will be turned off.

After the non-progress information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, if the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, the situation in which the in-progress images ZGa and ZGb are not displayed will continue. Furthermore, after the non-progress information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, if the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, the situation in which the reserved images Ha and Hb are not displayed will continue. After the non-progress information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, if the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, the situation in which the performance symbols are not displayed will continue.

If the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the game is not controlled to the high probability state that should be controlled after the end of the first jackpot game, and the special game is not executed in the high probability state. In other words, in the gaming machine 10, if the non-progression information is stored when the jackpot game is awarded, the special game is not executed in the high probability state even if the jackpot game is a jackpot game that is controlled to the high probability state after the end of the jackpot game. In other words, if the special condition is established when the jackpot game is awarded, the variable game is not executed in the probability variable state even if the jackpot game is a specific jackpot game. Therefore, if the non-progression information is stored at the timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, the second special game that was put on hold before the first jackpot game was awarded is not executed after the end of the first jackpot game. Similarly, if the non-progression information is stored at time Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, even if the execution of the second special game is suspended at time t31 when the ball enters the second starting hole 27, the suspended second special game will not be executed after the first jackpot game ends.

Here, based on FIG. 18, we will explain the case where the power supply is cut off at timing Tx1, which is before the first jackpot game ends, after the progress-impossible information is stored at timing Ta3 when the first jackpot game is awarded, and then the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2.

When the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, the initial operation of the movable body 24 is performed. When the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, the display of the control preview image SY is resumed. The timing at which the display of the control preview image SY is resumed is later than the timing at which the initial operation of the movable body 24 is started.

When the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, the display contents of the special symbol display sections 22a, 22b and the special hold display sections 22c, 22d will return to the display contents before the power supply was cut off. When the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, the right hit notification lamp 22g will light up, just as it did before the power supply was cut off.

If power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, the in-progress images ZGa and ZGb will not be displayed, just as they were before the power supply was cut off. If power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, the pending images Ha and Hb will not be displayed, just as they were before the power supply was cut off. If power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, the performance pattern will not be displayed, just as they were before the power supply was cut off.

When the first jackpot game is awarded, the power supply is cut off after the progress impossible information is stored at timing Ta3, and the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, and the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, the right-hit notification performance that was being executed ends. When the first jackpot game is awarded, the power supply is cut off after the progress impossible information is stored at timing Ta3, and the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, and the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, the prize ball performance that was being executed ends. When the first jackpot game is awarded, the power supply is cut off after the progress impossible information is stored at timing Ta3, and the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, and the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, the controlled image SF is displayed on the performance display device 25. At this time, the display of the control notice image SY ends on the performance display device 25, and the display of the controlled image SF begins.

When the first jackpot game is awarded, the power supply is cut off after the progress impossible information is stored at timing Ta3, and the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, and the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, all the light-emitting devices constituting the first special symbol display unit 22a where the special symbol was displayed as a fixed stop are turned off. Furthermore, when the first jackpot game is awarded, the power supply is cut off after the progress impossible information is stored at timing Ta3, and the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, and the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, all the light-emitting devices constituting the first special hold display unit 22c are turned off. Also, when the first jackpot game is awarded, the power supply is cut off after the progress impossible information is stored at timing Ta3, and the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, and the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, all the light-emitting devices constituting the second special symbol display unit 22b where the special symbol was displayed as a fixed stop are turned off. Furthermore, when the first jackpot game is awarded, the power supply is cut off after the progress impossible information is stored at timing Ta3, and the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, and when the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, all of the light emitters that make up the second special hold display section 22d are turned off. When the first jackpot game is awarded, the power supply is cut off after the progress impossible information is stored at timing Ta3, and the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, and when the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, the right hit notification lamp 22g that was lit is turned off.

When the first jackpot game is awarded, the power supply is cut off after the progress impossible information is stored at timing Ta3, and the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, and the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, the situation in which the in-play images ZGa and ZGb are not displayed continues. Furthermore, when the first jackpot game is awarded, the power supply is cut off after the progress impossible information is stored at timing Ta3, and the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, and the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, the situation in which the reserved images Ha and Hb are not displayed continues. When the first jackpot game is awarded, the power supply is cut off after the progress impossible information is stored at timing Ta3, and the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, and the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, the situation in which the performance symbols are not displayed continues.

When the first jackpot game is awarded, if the power supply is cut off after the information is stored at timing Ta3, the power supply is resumed at timing Tx2, and the first jackpot game ends at timing t13, the game is not controlled to the high probability state that should be controlled after the end of the first jackpot game, and the special game is not executed in the high probability state. If the information is stored when the first jackpot game is awarded, the special game is not executed in the high probability state even if the power supply is cut off when the first jackpot game is awarded and then power is started and restored. In other words, if the special condition is established when the specific jackpot game is awarded, the variable game is not executed in the probability variable state even if the power supply is cut off when the specific jackpot game is awarded and then power is started and restored.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) If the non-progression information is stored while a special game is being executed and the game is controlled to be in a non-progression state, in the non-progression state, the execution of the special game is not suspended in response to a game ball entering the starting hole 26, 27. In this way, if the non-progression information is stored and the game is in a non-progression state, the execution of the special game is not suspended even if a game ball enters the starting hole 26, 27. For this reason, for example, even if the non-progression state has been entered, the execution of the special game is suspended, which creates expectations for the special game, and this can be prevented from causing discomfort, and appropriate control can be performed.

(2) For example, if the reserved images Ha and Hb continue to be displayed in a situation where the execution of the special game is not suspended even if a game ball enters the starting holes 26 and 27, there is a risk that the player may mistakenly believe that the execution of the special game will be suspended if a game ball enters the starting holes 26 and 27. For this reason, when the reserved images Ha and Hb are displayed on the performance display device 25 and progress impossibility information is stored while the special game is being executed and the game is controlled to a progress impossibility state, the display of the reserved images Ha and Hb displayed on the performance display device 25 is terminated. This makes it possible to suppress the mistaken belief that the execution of the special game will be suspended if a game ball enters the starting holes 26 and 27 even in a progress impossibility state by displaying the reserved images Ha and Hb, and allows for appropriate control.

(3) In the case where the progress impossible information is stored and a progress impossible state is reached, if the display of the pending images Ha and Hb has ended but the active images ZGa and ZGb continue to be displayed, there is a risk that the continued display of the active images ZGa and ZGb may cause discomfort. For this reason, when the active images ZGa and ZGb are displayed on the performance display device 25 and progress impossible information is stored while a special game is being played and the device is controlled to a progress impossible state, the display of the active images ZGa and ZGb displayed on the performance display device 25 is terminated. This makes it possible to suppress the discomfort caused by the display of the pending images Ha and Hb having ended while the active images ZGa and ZGb continue to be displayed, and allows for appropriate control.

(4) In the case where the progress impossible information is stored and the game is controlled to a progress impossible state, if it is possible to identify that the execution of the special game is on hold from the lighting state of the special hold display units 22c and 22d even though the display of the hold images Ha and Hb has ended, this may cause a sense of incongruity. For this reason, when the execution of the special game is on hold and progress impossible information is stored and the game is controlled to a progress impossible state while the special game is being executed, the light emitters constituting the special hold display units 22c and 22d are turned off. This makes it possible to suppress the sense of incongruity that would be caused by being able to identify that the execution of the special game is on hold from the lighting state of the special hold display units 22c and 22d even though the hold images Ha and Hb have been erased, and allows for appropriate control.

(5) The non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 when a value identifiable from the unit prize ball information updated based on the prize balls awarded in one minute reaches a specified value. In other words, when a special game is being executed, if a value identifiable from the unit prize ball information updated based on the prize balls awarded in one minute reaches a specified value, the game is controlled to a non-progression state. In this way, by controlling the game to a non-progression state when a value identifiable from the unit prize ball information updated based on the prize balls awarded in one minute reaches a specified value, the game is controlled to a non-progression state in a situation where, for example, more prize balls than expected have been paid out due to fraudulent behavior. As a result, for example, when a situation occurs where more prize balls than expected have been paid out due to fraudulent behavior, the game is made non-progression and the execution of the special game is not put on hold, thereby preventing the acquisition of prize balls and the execution of the special game through fraudulent behavior, and appropriate control can be performed.

(6) In the progress-impossible state, the main CPU 41 does not perform control to suspend the execution of the special game, even if it receives a detection signal from the start sensors SE1 and SE2 that can identify that a game ball has entered the start holes 26 and 27. This makes it possible to prevent the execution of the special game from being suspended without improving the start sensors SE1 and SE2, and to perform appropriate control.

(7) When a special game is being played, if unprogression-impossible information is stored and control is exercised to an unprogression-impossible state, in that unprogression-impossible state, the game ball will not be launched even if the launch handle 16 is operated. This makes it possible to prevent a player from misunderstanding that the game can proceed even if the launch handle 16 is operated, since the game ball will be launched, even if the game is exercised to an unprogression-impossible state, and allows for appropriate control.

(8) For example, in a configuration in which the game ball is not launched by not executing hammer control to strike the game ball at launch position W2 with the hammer portion 72a, if ball forwarding control is performed, the game ball may be sent to launch position W2, making it impossible to retrieve the game ball at launch position W2. However, when no-progress information is stored and control is performed to an no-progress state, the game ball is not launched by not executing ball forwarding control even if the launch handle 16 is operated, so that it is possible to prevent the game ball from being sent to launch position W2 after control is performed to an no-progress state, and appropriate control can be performed.

(9) For example, even if the game ball cannot be released due to an inability to proceed state, if the right hit notification lamp 22g continues to light, the game ball cannot be released even if the right hit notification lamp 22g is lit and the player tries to hit the right, which may cause discomfort. However, the right hit notification lamp 22g is turned off when the game ball is controlled to be in an inability to proceed state. This makes it possible to prevent discomfort and to perform appropriate control.

(10) For example, even if the game is controlled to a non-progression state and the game ball cannot be launched, if the right-hit notification presentation continues to be executed, there is a risk of causing discomfort because the game ball cannot be launched even though the right-hit notification presentation is being executed. For this reason, when the right-hit notification presentation is being executed and a special game is being executed, if non-progression information is stored and the game is controlled to a non-progression state, the right-hit notification presentation is terminated. This makes it possible to prevent discomfort caused by the right-hit notification presentation continuing to be executed even though the game ball cannot be launched due to the non-progression state, and allows for appropriate control.

(11) For example, even if the game is controlled to a non-progression state and the game ball cannot be launched, if the left-hit notification effect continues to be executed, there is a risk of causing discomfort because the game ball cannot be launched even though the left-hit notification effect is being executed. For this reason, when the left-hit notification effect is being executed and a special game is being executed, if non-progression information is stored and the game is controlled to a non-progression state, the left-hit notification effect is terminated. This makes it possible to prevent discomfort caused by the left-hit notification effect continuing to be executed even though the game ball cannot be launched due to the non-progression state, and allows for appropriate control.

(12) The non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 when a value identifiable from the unit prize ball information updated based on the prize balls awarded in one minute reaches a specified value. In other words, when a special game is being played, if a value identifiable from the unit prize ball information updated based on the prize balls awarded in one minute reaches a specified value, the game is controlled to a non-progression state. In this way, by controlling the game to a non-progression state when a value identifiable from the unit prize ball information updated based on the prize balls awarded in one minute reaches a specified value, the game is controlled to a non-progression state in a situation where, for example, more prize balls than expected have been paid out due to fraudulent activity. As a result, for example, when a situation occurs where more prize balls than expected have been paid out due to fraudulent activity, the game is made non-progression and game balls cannot be launched, so that it is possible to suppress the game balls from being continuously launched while winning prize balls through fraud, and appropriate control can be performed.

(13) If progress-impossible information is stored and the game is controlled to an impossible state while the execution of a special game is on hold, the special game whose execution has been on hold is not executed. In this way, if progress-impossible information is stored and the game is controlled to an impossible state, even if the execution of a special game has already been on hold, the special game that has been on hold is not executed. For this reason, for example, even if the game has been controlled to an impossible state, the special game whose execution has been on hold is executed, which makes it difficult to tell whether the game has become impossible to progress, and allows for appropriate control.

(14) If the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, the game will not be controlled to be in a non-progression state until at least the jackpot game ends. After the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, if a game ball enters the start port 26, 27 while the jackpot game is awarded, the execution of the special game may be suspended, but the special game will not be executed after the jackpot game ends. In this way, even if the non-progression information is stored, during the awarding of a jackpot game that continues without being in a non-progression state, if a game ball enters the start port 26, 27, the execution of the special game is suspended, thereby suppressing the sense of incongruity during the awarding of the jackpot game and allowing appropriate control. On the other hand, even if the execution of the special game is suspended during a jackpot game, by preventing the special game from being executed, it is possible to suppress the situation where it becomes difficult to know whether the game has become in a non-progression state because the special game is executed despite the non-progression information being stored and the game being controlled to be in a non-progression state, and appropriate control can be performed.

On the other hand, after the non-progression information is stored while a special game is being played, even if a game ball enters the starting hole 26, 27, the special game will not be put on hold as a result of the ball entering the starting hole 26, 27, and the special game that was put on hold before the non-progression information was stored will not be played. In this way, when the non-progression information is stored and a non-progression state is created, the special game will not be put on hold even if a game ball enters the starting hole 26, 27. Therefore, for example, even if the game is controlled to a non-progression state, the special game being put on hold can be used to prevent players from feeling anticipation for the special game, which would ultimately cause discomfort, and appropriate control can be performed.

(15) If the second special game is a jackpot during the execution of the first special game and a jackpot game is awarded, the first special game being executed is forcibly ended in a first manner. Similarly, if the first special game is a jackpot during the execution of the second special game and a jackpot game is awarded, the second special game being executed is forcibly ended in a first manner. However, if non-progress information is stored during the execution of a special game, the special game being executed is forcibly ended in a second manner different from the first manner. As a result, depending on whether the special game was forcibly ended in the first or second manner, it can be determined whether the variable game was forcibly ended when one of the two special games was a jackpot and a jackpot game was awarded, or whether non-progress information was stored during the execution of the special game, and appropriate control can be performed.

(16) If non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game has been awarded, the game is not controlled to a non-progression state until the awarded jackpot game ends, and the awarding of the jackpot game continues. In this way, even when non-progression information is stored and the game is controlled to a non-progression state, if a jackpot game is being awarded, the jackpot game is allowed to continue. This makes it possible to prevent discomfort caused by, for example, the jackpot game being stopped midway due to the non-progression information being stored in the middle of the jackpot game, and allows for appropriate control.

(17) If non-progression information is stored when a small win has been awarded, the small win will continue to be awarded without being controlled to a non-progression state until the small win that has been awarded ends. In this way, even when non-progression information is stored and controlled to a non-progression state, if a small win is being awarded, the small win will continue to be played. This makes it possible to prevent discomfort caused by, for example, the small win being stopped midway due to non-progression information being stored in the middle of a small win, and allows for appropriate control.

(18) If progress-impossible information is stored during the execution of a special game, the special game is controlled to a progress-impossible state in response to the storage of the progress-impossible information, and the special game being executed is forcibly terminated. This makes it possible to suppress the discomfort that would result from the special game continuing to be executed despite being controlled to a progress-impossible state, which would create hope that the special game will result in a jackpot, and allows for appropriate control.

(19) If non-progression information is stored within the period from when a special game based on a jackpot is started until the special game ends and the jackpot game is awarded, the storage of the non-progression information triggers control to a non-progression state, and the jackpot game is not awarded. This makes it possible to prevent players from misunderstanding that they can continue playing the game by awarding a jackpot game despite the fact that the game has been controlled to a non-progression state, for example, and allows for appropriate control.

(20) If non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is waiting to occur, the awarding of the jackpot game will not start even if a game ball enters gate 33. This makes it possible to suppress the mistaken belief that the game can proceed even if non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is waiting to occur, because a jackpot game will be awarded when a game ball enters gate 33, and appropriate control can be performed.

(21) The non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 when a value identifiable from the unit prize ball information updated based on the prize balls awarded in one minute reaches a specified value. In other words, when a special game is being played, if a value identifiable from the unit prize ball information updated based on the prize balls awarded in one minute reaches a specified value, the game is controlled to a non-progression state. In this way, by controlling the game to a non-progression state when a value identifiable from the unit prize ball information updated based on the prize balls awarded in one minute reaches a specified value, the game is controlled to a non-progression state in a situation where, for example, more prize balls than expected have been paid out due to fraudulent acts. As a result, for example, when a situation occurs where more prize balls than expected have been paid out due to fraudulent acts, the game is made non-progression and the jackpot game that was scheduled to be awarded is awarded, thereby preventing the award of a jackpot game in addition to the prize balls that have been awarded due to fraud, and appropriate control can be performed.

(22) When the impossible-to-progress information is stored and the game becomes impossible to progress, the need to detect magnetism decreases because it becomes impossible to progress in the game. Therefore, the main CPU 41 does not execute the magnetic management process at least during the period from when the impossible-to-progress information is stored and the game becomes impossible to progress until the power supply is cut off. As a result, by not executing the magnetic management process, which becomes less necessary after the impossible-to-progress information is stored and the game becomes impossible to progress, the control burden can be reduced and appropriate control can be performed.

(23) If the door member is opened, it is possible to touch the back side of the gaming machine 10. For this reason, if the door open management process is not executed just because the game is controlled to an unprogressable state, there is a possibility that fraudulent behavior may be committed when the game is controlled to an unprogressable state. For this reason, the main CPU 41 is made capable of executing the door open management process even during the period from when the unprogressable information is stored and the game is controlled to an unprogressable state until the power supply is cut off. This makes it possible to prevent fraudulent behavior when the game is controlled to an unprogressable state, and allows for appropriate control.

(24) If the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, a special game is not executed in the high probability state even if the jackpot game is a jackpot game that can be controlled to a high probability state after the jackpot game ends. In this way, if the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, a special game is not executed in the high probability state even if the game is scheduled to be controlled to a high probability state after the jackpot game ends. For this reason, for example, even if the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, the special game is executed in the high probability state even after the jackpot game ends, which creates expectations for the special game, and this can be suppressed, and appropriate control can be performed.

(25) If progress-impossible information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, a control notice image SY is displayed on the performance display device 25 while the jackpot game is awarded. This makes it possible to prevent the player from feeling as if they have been suddenly controlled into a progress-impossible state after the jackpot game ends, and allows for appropriate control.

(26) In the case where impossible-to-progress information is stored when a jackpot game that is controlled to a high-probability state after the end of a jackpot game is awarded, even if the power supply is subsequently cut off while the jackpot game is awarded and then power is started and restored, the special game will not be played in the high-probability state. For this reason, for example, in the case where impossible-to-progress information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, it is possible to suppress the power supply from being cut off in the hope of playing a special game in the high-probability state, and appropriate control can be performed.

(27) For example, if prize balls are awarded when game balls enter the general winning openings 34 and 35 even after the game is unable to proceed, there is a risk that the fact that prize balls are awarded when game balls enter the general winning openings 34 and 35 despite the game being unable to proceed may give a sense of incongruity. Therefore, when the special game is being played and the game is controlled to be in the unable to proceed state by storing the incongruity information, in the unable to proceed state, even if a game ball enters the general winning openings 34 and 35, prize balls are not awarded in response to the ball entering the general winning openings 34 and 35. In other words, when the incongruity information is stored and the game is in the unable to proceed state, even if a game ball enters the general winning openings 34 and 35, prize balls are not awarded in response to the ball entering the general winning openings 34 and 35. This makes it possible to suppress the sense of incongruity that prize balls are awarded when game balls enter the general winning openings 34 and 35 despite the game being controlled to be in the unable to proceed state, and to perform appropriate control.

(28) In the case where no-progress information is stored when a jackpot game has been awarded, the game will not be controlled to a no-progress state until at least the jackpot game has ended. For this reason, for example, if no-progress information is stored when a jackpot game has been awarded and the prize ball presentation is being executed, and the prize ball presentation is then terminated, there is a risk that the player will mistakenly believe that the game has been controlled to a no-progress state. Therefore, when no-progress information is stored when a jackpot game has been awarded and the prize ball presentation is being executed, the game will continue to execute the prize ball presentation until at least the jackpot game has ended. This makes it possible to prevent the player from mistakenly believing that the game has been controlled to a no-progress state, and allows for appropriate control.

(29) After non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, if a game ball enters the general winning opening 34, 35 while the jackpot game is awarded, a prize ball is awarded in response to the ball entering the general winning opening 34, 35. Therefore, regardless of whether non-progression information was stored when a jackpot game was awarded, the entry of game balls into the general winning opening 34, 35 and the acquisition of prize balls that accompanies the balls can be enjoyed and appropriately controlled.

(30) For example, if the initial operation of the movable body 24 is started when the controlled image SF is displayed, there is a risk that the player feels uncomfortable because the initial operation of the movable body 24 has been started even though the game cannot proceed. In addition, for example, if the initial operation of the movable body 24 is not performed because it has been controlled to a progress-impossible state, there is a risk that when the game returns from the progress-impossible state, a malfunction of the movable body 24 will be noticed and it will take time to be able to play normally. However, by displaying the controlled image SF on the performance display device 25 at a timing after the initial operation of the movable body 24 has been started, the initial operation of the movable body 24 can be performed while suppressing the sense of discomfort, and appropriate control can be performed.

(31) For example, if the display of the controlled image SF is terminated when the initial operation of the movable body 24 is completed, there is a risk that the player may mistakenly believe that the progress impossibility state has been eliminated due to the completion of the initial operation of the movable body 24. Therefore, the controlled image SF is made to continue to be displayed on the performance display device 25 even after the initial operation of the movable body 24 is completed. This makes it possible to distinguish between the initial operation of the movable body 24 and the progress impossibility state, thereby preventing the player from making a mistake.

The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.
When the reserved images Ha and Hb are displayed on the performance display device 25, even if the progress-impossible information is stored and the device is controlled to a progress-impossible state when a special game is being played, the display of the reserved images Ha and Hb may be configured to continue. For example, when the reserved image Ha is displayed on the performance display device 25, if the progress-impossible information is stored and the device is controlled to a progress-impossible state when a special game is being played, the display of the reserved image Ha ends. On the other hand, when the reserved image Hb is displayed on the performance display device 25, if the progress-impossible information is stored and the device is controlled to a progress-impossible state when a special game is being played, the display of the reserved image Hb may be configured to continue.

-Even if the in-progress image ZGa, ZGb is displayed on the performance display device 25 and the special game is being executed and the progress impossible information is stored and the special game is being executed ...

-When the in-progress images ZGa, ZGb and the reserved images Ha, Hb are displayed on the performance display device 25, if the progress-prohibited information is stored and the special game is being executed and the display is controlled to the progress-prohibited state, the display of the reserved images Ha, Hb may be terminated, while the display of the in-progress images ZGa, ZGb may be continued. In addition, when the in-progress images ZGa, ZGb and the reserved images Ha, Hb are displayed on the performance display device 25, if the progress-prohibited information is stored and the display is controlled to the progress-prohibited state, while the display of the in-progress images ZGa, ZGb may be terminated, while the display of the reserved images Ha, Hb may be continued. In addition, when the execution of the special game is on hold, if the progress-prohibited information is stored and the display is controlled to the progress-prohibited state when the special game is being executed and the display is controlled to the progress-prohibited state, the lighting state of the light-emitting elements constituting the special symbol display units 22a, 22b may not change.

When the game is in a non-progression state, the detection signal from the first start sensor SE1, which can identify that the game ball has entered the first start opening 26, may be configured not to be input to the main board 40. Similarly, when the game is in a non-progression state, the detection signal from the second start sensor SE2, which can identify that the game ball has entered the second start opening 27, may be configured not to be input to the main board 40. When configured in this way, in a non-progression state, the main CPU 41 does not control the execution of the special game to be suspended by not inputting the detection signals from the start sensors SE1 and SE2. When the game is in a non-progression state, the detection signal from the first count sensor SE3, which can identify that the game ball has entered the first large winning opening 29, may be configured not to be input to the main board 40. When the game is in a non-progression state, the detection signal from the second count sensor SE4, which can identify that the game ball has entered the second large winning opening 31, may be configured not to be input to the main board 40. When the game is in a non-progression state, the detection signal from the gate sensor SE5, which can identify that a game ball has entered the gate 33, may be configured not to be input to the main board 40. When the game is in a non-progression state, the detection signal from the first general sensor SE6, which can identify that a game ball has entered the first general winning opening 34, may be configured not to be input to the main board 40. When the game is in a non-progression state, the detection signal from the second general sensor SE7, which can identify that a game ball has entered the second general winning opening 35, may be configured not to be input to the main board 40. When the game is in a non-progression state, the detection signal from the magnetic sensor ES2, which can identify that a magnetism has been detected, may be configured not to be input to the main board 40.

- Even if the right hit notification lamp 22g is lit and progress impossible information is stored and the machine is controlled to a progress impossible state, the right hit notification lamp 22g may be configured to continue to be lit.

- When a right-hit notification effect is being executed, even if progress-impossible information is stored and the game is controlled to a progress-impossible state when a special game is being played, the right-hit notification effect may be configured to continue to be executed. Similarly, when a left-hit notification effect is being executed, even if progress-impossible information is stored and the game is controlled to a progress-impossible state when a special game is being played, the left-hit notification effect may be configured to continue to be executed.

- When unprogression-impossible information is stored and control is exercised to an unprogression-impossible state, the information display panel 22 may not be turned off, and the display content of the information display panel 22 may be maintained. In other words, even when unprogression-impossible information is stored and control is exercised to an unprogression-impossible state, the lighting state of the light-emitting elements constituting the various display sections provided on the information display panel 22 may be maintained. If the display content of the information display panel 22 is maintained even when control is exercised to an unprogression-impossible state, it becomes easier to surmise under what circumstances the control was exercised to an unprogression-impossible state.

- When the game is controlled to a non-progression state, if a game ball enters at least one of the first start hole 26 and the second start hole 27, the ball may be configured not to suspend the execution of the special game. In other words, when the game is controlled to a non-progression state, if a game ball enters at least one of the first start hole 26 and the second start hole 27, the ball may be configured to suspend the execution of the special game. In other words, for example, when the game is controlled to a non-progression state, if a game ball enters the first start hole 26, the ball may be configured to suspend the execution of the first special game. Similarly, for example, when the game is controlled to a non-progression state, if a game ball enters the second start hole 27, the ball may be configured to suspend the execution of the second special game.

- Even when the game is controlled to an unprogressable state, the game ball may be launched by operating the launch handle 16. For example, even when unprogressable information is stored and the game is controlled to an unprogressable state, the game ball may be configured to be able to be sent by operating the launch handle 16.

-When the non-progression information is stored and the game is controlled to the non-progression state, the hammer control is not executed even if the launch handle 16 is operated, so that the game ball is not launched. In this case, for example, even if the non-progression information is stored and the game is controlled to the non-progression state, the ball forwarding control may be executed by operating the launch handle 16, or the ball forwarding control may not be executed. For example, in the above embodiment, when the game is controlled to the non-progression state, the ball forwarding control may not be executed, while the hammer control may be executed. This makes it possible to prevent the game ball located at the launch position W2 from being launched and becoming non-progression. Note that even if the game ball at the launch position W2 is launched after being controlled to the non-progression state in this way, since the game ball is not controlled to continue to be launched, it can be considered that the game ball is not launched when the game is controlled to the non-progression state.

- The launch handle 16 may be provided with a stop button that can be operated by the player. For example, even if the game is not controlled to a non-progression state and the launch handle 16 is operated by the touch sensor TS, the game ball may not be launched when the stop button is operated. When such a stop button is provided in the above embodiment, "the launch handle 16 is operated" corresponds to a time when the stop button is not operated and the launch handle 16 is operated.

- When the impossible-to-progress information is stored, the special game that has already been put on hold may be configured to be executed even after the impossible-to-progress information is stored. In this case, the special game that has already been put on hold may be configured to be executed after the impossible-to-progress information is stored and the game is controlled to an impossible-to-progress state.

・When the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, the special game that has already been put on hold may be configured to be executed after the jackpot game ends. At this time, for example, the special game that has already been put on hold may be executed after being controlled to a non-progression state after the jackpot game ends. In addition, after the jackpot game ends, the special game that has already been put on hold may be executed and then controlled to a non-progression state. Also, when the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, the special game that has been put on hold after the non-progression information is stored may be configured to be executed after the jackpot game ends. At this time, for example, the special game that has been put on hold may be executed after the non-progression information is stored after being controlled to a non-progression state after the jackpot game ends. In addition, after the jackpot game ends, the special game that has been put on hold may be executed after the non-progression information is stored. As described above, if the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, and the jackpot game is a jackpot game that can be controlled to a high probability state after the jackpot game ends, the special game may be configured to be executed in the high probability state.

- If unprogressable information is stored when a jackpot game has been awarded, the machine may be configured to be controlled to an unprogressable state before the end of the jackpot game that has been awarded. When configured in this way, especially when unprogressable information is likely to be stored, even when a jackpot game has been awarded, the player can be entertained by being drawn to the timing at which the unprogressable information is stored and at which the machine is controlled to an unprogressable state.

・When the non-progression information is stored when a small win game is awarded, the special game that has already been put on hold may be configured to be executed after the small win game ends. At this time, for example, the special game that has already been put on hold may be executed after being controlled to a non-progression state after the small win game ends. In addition, after the small win game ends, the special game that has already been put on hold may be executed and then controlled to a non-progression state. Also, when the non-progression information is stored when a small win game is awarded, the special game that has been put on hold after the non-progression information is stored may be configured to be executed after the big win game ends. At this time, for example, the special game that has been put on hold may be executed after the non-progression information is stored after being controlled to a non-progression state after the small win game ends. In addition, after the small win game ends, the special game that has been put on hold may be executed after the non-progression information is stored, and then controlled to a non-progression state.

- If progress-impossible information is stored when a small win has been awarded, the machine may be configured to be controlled to a progress-impossible state before the small win that has been awarded ends. When configured in this way, especially when play-impossible information is likely to be stored, even when a small win has been awarded, the player can be entertained by being drawn to the timing at which the progress-impossible information is stored and at what timing the machine is controlled to a progress-impossible state.

- If the non-progression information is stored during the period from when the special game based on winning a jackpot starts until the special game ends and the jackpot game is awarded, the machine may be configured not to be controlled to the non-progression state at least until the jackpot game ends. For example, if the non-progression information is stored during the execution of the special game based on winning a jackpot, the machine may be configured not to be controlled to the non-progression state at least until the jackpot game ends. For example, if the non-progression information is stored when the machine is waiting for the jackpot game to occur, the machine may be configured not to be controlled to the non-progression state at least until the jackpot game ends. In this case, even if the non-progression information is stored when the machine is waiting for the jackpot game to occur, the awarding of the jackpot game will start if a game ball enters gate 33.

- For example, if progress-impossible information is stored while waiting for a jackpot to occur, even if the game is controlled to a progress-impossible state before the jackpot is awarded, the awarding of the jackpot may be initiated when a game ball enters gate 33.

- The magnetic management process may be configured to be executed even after the vehicle is unable to proceed. For example, when the vehicle is controlled to be unable to proceed, the magnetic management process may be executed after the door opening management process is executed. In addition, when the vehicle is controlled to be unable to proceed, the door opening management process may not be executed. After the vehicle is controlled to be unable to proceed, either the magnetic management process or the door opening management process may be executed, or both may not be executed, or both may be executed. In the above embodiment, the magnetic management process is exemplified as a process that is not executed after the vehicle is controlled to be unable to proceed. However, for example, the radio wave management process that detects radio waves may not be executed, and the vibration management process that detects vibrations may not be executed.

- The unprogressable state may be configured to be resolved by cutting off the power supply without clearing the RAM. In this case, if the game is controlled to be in an unprogressable state, cutting off the power supply will make it possible to end the unprogressable state.

- A process may be configured to be executed to determine whether the backed-up information is normal when power supply is started. If it is determined that the backed-up information is not normal, the system may be configured to be controlled to an unprogressable state. In this way, there may be cases where a special condition is met when power supply is started.

- When a special game is being played and non-progression information is stored and the game is controlled to a non-progression state, in the non-progression state, if a game ball enters the start opening 26, 27, a prize ball may be awarded in response to the ball entering the start opening. When a special game is being played and non-progression information is stored and the game is controlled to a non-progression state, in the non-progression state, if a game ball enters the large prize opening 29, 31, a prize ball may be awarded in response to the ball entering the large prize opening. When a special game is being played and non-progression information is stored and the game is controlled to a non-progression state, in the non-progression state, if a game ball enters the general prize opening 34, 35, a prize ball may be awarded in response to the ball entering the large prize opening.

- After the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, when the jackpot game is awarded, the awarding of prize balls triggered by a ball entering a prize port other than the large prize port 29, 31 may be restricted. For example, after the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, when the jackpot game is awarded, prize balls may not be awarded even if a game ball enters the start port 26, 27. For example, after the non-progression information is stored when a jackpot game is awarded, when the jackpot game is awarded, prize balls may not be awarded even if a game ball enters the general prize port 34, 35.

- The conditions under which the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 may be changed. In other words, the circumstances under which the special conditions are met may be changed. For example, the number of awarded prize balls may be added to a value that can be determined from the unit prize ball information when a game ball enters the large prize winning port 29, 31 other than the starting port 26, 27 and the general prize winning port 34, 35. For example, the non-progression information may be stored in the main RAM 43 when the total number of prize balls awarded within a specified period reaches a specified number. For example, the non-progression information may be stored in the main RAM 43 when a value updated based on the number of game balls consumed within a specified period and the number of game balls awarded within the specified period reaches a specified value.

- When the second special game is hit during the execution of the first special game and a jackpot game is awarded, and the first special game being executed is forcibly terminated, the manner in which the game is terminated may be different from when the first special game is hit during the execution of the second special game and a jackpot game is awarded, and the second special game being executed is forcibly terminated.

- If the second special game is a jackpot during the execution of the first special game and a jackpot game is awarded, all of the light-emitting devices constituting the first special symbol display unit 22a may be turned off to forcibly end the first special game. In other words, if the second special game is a jackpot during the execution of the first special game and a jackpot game is awarded, the first special game may be ended in the second manner. Similarly, if the first special game is a jackpot during the execution of the second special game and a jackpot game is awarded, all of the light-emitting devices constituting the second special symbol display unit 22b may be turned off to forcibly end the second special game. In other words, if the first special game is a jackpot during the execution of the second special game and a jackpot game is awarded, the second special game may be ended in the second manner.

- If impossible-to-progress information is stored during the execution of a special game, a losing symbol may be displayed as a confirmed stop, and the special game being executed may be forcibly ended. In other words, if impossible-to-progress information is stored during the execution of a special game, the special game being executed may be ended in the first response.

- The manner in which the execution of a special game is forcibly terminated when impossible-to-progress information is stored during the execution of the special game may be the same as the manner in which the execution of the first special game is forcibly terminated when the second special game becomes a jackpot during the execution of the first special game and a jackpot game is awarded. Similarly, the manner in which the execution of a special game is forcibly terminated when impossible-to-progress information is stored during the execution of the special game may be the same as the manner in which the execution of the second special game is forcibly terminated when the first special game becomes a jackpot during the execution of the second special game and a jackpot game is awarded.

- It may be configured so that only one of the control preview image SY and the controlled image SF can be displayed, or it may be configured so that neither the control preview image SY nor the controlled image SF is displayed. The control preview image SY may be changed. Similarly, the controlled image SF may be changed.

- When the first disabled return command is input, the secondary CPU 51 may control the performance display device 25 so that an image different from the controlled image SF is displayed. In this case, depending on whether the image different from the controlled image SF or the controlled image SF is displayed on the performance display device 25, it becomes possible to identify whether the power supply was cut off after the game was controlled to a disabled state.

- When the second impossibility return command is input, the secondary CPU 51 may control the performance display device 25 to display an image different from the control notice image SY. In this case, depending on whether the image different from the control notice image SY or the control notice image SY is displayed on the performance display device 25, it becomes possible to determine whether the power supply was cut off during the period from when the impossibility information was stored until when the game was controlled to the impossibility state.

- The progress impossibility information may be configured not to be backed up. In this case, if the power supply is cut off during the period from when the progress impossibility information is stored until the progress impossibility state is controlled, the situation will return to one in which the progress impossibility information is not stored in the main RAM 43 after the power supply is resumed. As a result, even if the progress impossibility information is stored before the power supply is cut off, it is possible to prevent the progress impossibility state from being controlled by cutting off the power supply before the progress impossibility state is controlled.

- The timing at which the initial operation of the movable body 24 starts may be the same as the timing at which the display of the controlled image SF starts. The timing at which the initial operation of the movable body 24 starts may be later than the timing at which the display of the controlled image SF starts.

- When the movable body error information is stored in the secondary RAM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may be configured to control at least one of the various performance devices 17, 18, 25 so that a performance is executed to notify the player that an error has occurred regarding the movable body. For example, if the power supply is cut off after the movable body is controlled to an unprogressable state, and then an error occurs during the initial operation of the movable body that is performed when the power supply is resumed, the performance display device 25 may be configured to display a controlled image SF and an image notifying the player that an error has occurred regarding the movable body. An error regarding the movable body can also be said to be an error regarding the operation of the movable body.

-When the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 as a result of a ball entering the starting hole 26, 27, prize balls may not be awarded as a result of the ball entering the starting hole 26, 27. When the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 as a result of a ball entering the starting hole 26, 27, prize balls may be awarded as a result of the ball entering the starting hole 26, 27. In this way, when the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 as a result of a ball entering the starting hole 26, 27, prize balls may be awarded as a result of the ball entering the starting hole 26, 27. For example, when the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 as a result of a ball entering the starting hole 26, 27, prize balls may be awarded as a result of the ball entering the starting hole 26, 27, but prize balls may not be awarded as a result of subsequent balls entering the starting hole 26, 27.

-When the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 as a result of a ball entering the general winning opening 34, 35, prize balls may not be awarded as a result of the ball entering the general winning opening 34, 35. When the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 as a result of a ball entering the general winning opening 34, 35, prize balls may be awarded as a result of the ball entering the general winning opening 34, 35. In this way, when the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 as a result of a ball entering the general winning opening 34, 35, prize balls may be awarded as a result of the ball entering the general winning opening 34, 35. For example, when the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 as a result of a ball entering the general winning opening 34, 35, prize balls may be awarded as a result of the ball entering the general winning opening 34, 35, but prize balls may not be awarded as a result of subsequent balls entering the general winning opening 34, 35.

- When the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 as a result of a ball entering the starting hole 26, 27, the execution of the special game triggered by the ball entering the starting hole 26, 27 may not be put on hold. When the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 as a result of a ball entering the starting hole 26, 27, the execution of the special game triggered by the ball entering the starting hole 26, 27 may be put on hold. For example, even when the non-progression information is stored in the main RAM 43 as a result of a ball entering the first starting hole 26, if the number of first special holds has reached the upper limit, the execution of the first special game triggered by the ball entering the first starting hole 26 may not be put on hold.

- Although the special condition is established by storing the impossible-to-progress information, in the above embodiment, it can also be understood that the special condition is established when a value that can be determined from the unit prize ball information reaches a specified value. In this way, in the above embodiment, the special condition can be understood as being configured to be established based on the information stored in the main RAM 43.

- It may be configured so that the game state can be controlled to a non-open extended state, a variable shortened state, or a low probability state. In the game state controlled to a non-open extended state, a variable shortened state, or a low probability state, right-handed hitting is recommended, and the number of small wins per unit time can be increased, allowing the player to increase the number of balls they have.

- In the above embodiment, when the second special game is started during the execution of the first special game based on winning the jackpot lottery, if a small win is won, the second special game may be configured so that the losing symbol is not forcibly displayed as a fixed stop and the small win symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the case of a small win. Similarly, in the gaming machine 10, when the first special game is started during the execution of the second special game based on winning the jackpot lottery, if a small win is won, the first special game may be configured so that the losing symbol is not forcibly displayed as a fixed stop and the small win symbol is displayed as a fixed stop.

- If, while one of the first and second special games is being played, the other special game results in a small win and causes a small win symbol to be displayed as a confirmed stop, a losing symbol may be displayed as a confirmed stop in the one of the special games being played, and the one of the special games may be forcibly ended.

- If a big win symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in one of the first and second special games while the other special game is being played, the one special game may be paused, and the paused one special game may be resumed after the big win game is completed. Similarly, if a small win symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in one of the first and second special games while the other special game is being played, the one special game may be paused, and the paused one special game may be resumed after the small win game is completed.

- If a losing symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in one of the first and second special games while the other special game is being executed, the losing symbol may be displayed as a fixed stop in the one special game, and the one special game may end. In addition, if a losing symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the other special game while the first and second special games are being executed, the one special game may be interrupted, and the execution of the interrupted one special game may be resumed after a variable interval has elapsed after the end of the other special game.

- When the game is controlled to any one of the specific low probability state, specific high probability state, and special state, if the first special game results in a jackpot, the execution of the presentation game based on the second special game may be stopped even if the second special game is being executed, and the presentation display device 25 may execute a predetermined jackpot notification presentation. The predetermined jackpot notification presentation may be, for example, a presentation in which an image including text such as "Chance Occurring" is displayed on the presentation display device 25. Similarly, when the game is controlled to the normal low probability state, if the second special game results in a jackpot, the execution of the presentation game based on the first special game may be stopped even if the first special game is being executed, and the presentation display device 25 may execute a predetermined jackpot notification presentation.

- In the variation shortening state, the variation time of only the second special game out of the first and second special games may be configured to be shorter (or more likely to be shorter) than in the non-variation shortening state. In this case, for example, in the variation shortening state, the variation time of the first special game may be configured to be longer (or more likely to be longer) than in the non-variation shortening state.

- After the jackpot symbol is displayed as a confirmed stop in the special game, the jackpot game may be triggered without a game ball entering gate 33. In other words, the game may be configured not to be controlled to a waiting state for the jackpot game to occur. After a small jackpot symbol is derived in the special game, the game may be configured to trigger a small jackpot game when a game ball enters gate 33, just like when a jackpot symbol is derived in the special game.

- In the above embodiment, the jackpot game is triggered by the entry of a game ball into gate 33 while waiting for the jackpot game to occur, but the jackpot game may also be triggered by the entry of a game ball into an entrance other than gate 33. The entrance other than gate 33 may be an entrance where the payout conditions for prize balls are met when a game ball enters, or an entrance where the payout conditions for prize balls are not met and the conditions for starting games such as special games and normal games are not met.

- The large prize opening that opens when a large prize game is played and the large prize opening that opens when a small prize game is played may be the same. There may be only one large prize opening. Alternatively, when a large prize game based on some types of large prizes is played, the large prize opening that opens when a small prize game is played may be configured to open. Similarly, when a small prize game based on some types of small prizes is played, the large prize opening that opens when a large prize game is played may be configured to open.

- When controlled to any of the special state, specific low probability state, and specific high probability state, a presentation game based on the first special game may be configured to be executed. When controlled to the normal low probability state, a presentation game based on the second special game may be configured to be executed. For example, when a presentation game based on the first special game and a presentation game based on the second special game are executed, each presentation game may be executed separately in different display areas on the same display device, or each presentation game may be executed separately on different display devices.

- The number of game balls consumed in the above embodiment is the number of game balls launched into the game area 21, and can also be considered the number of valid balls. The number of game balls paid out in the above embodiment is the number of game balls paid out as prize balls, and can also be considered the number of prize balls. This number of prize balls may be the number of prize balls when all balls enter the prize openings, or it may be the number of prize balls excluding prize balls paid out when balls enter the general prize openings 34, 35, for example.

- The system may be configured so that the drop lottery is held even when the system is controlled to a low probability state. Incidentally, the system may be configured so that the system continues to be controlled to the low probability state even if the drop lottery is not won when the system is controlled to a low probability state.

- In the above embodiment, there may be cases where the player is controlled to a special state after the jackpot game ends. For example, the type of jackpot may include a jackpot that is determined to be controlled to a special state after the jackpot game ends. If the player is controlled to a special state after the jackpot game ends, the player may be configured to end the special state when the player wins the fall lottery.

- In the above embodiment, the degree of advantage of winning a jackpot in a jackpot lottery triggered by a ball entering the second starting hole 27 may be different from the degree of advantage of winning a jackpot in a jackpot lottery triggered by a ball entering the first starting hole 26. For example, the ratio for determining the type of jackpot or the type of jackpot that can be determined may be different between a case where a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery triggered by a ball entering the second starting hole 27 and a case where a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery triggered by a ball entering the first starting hole 26.

- In the above embodiment, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 26 and the start conditions of the first special game are met, a lottery for a big win is held, but a lottery for a small win is not held. In other words, a lottery for a big win is held when a ball enters the first starting hole 26, but a lottery for a small win is not held when a ball enters the first starting hole 26. On the other hand, in the above embodiment, when a game ball enters the second starting hole 27 and the start conditions of the second special game are met, a lottery for a big win is held, and when the big win lottery is not won, a lottery for a small win is held.

・As pachinko gaming machines that can be controlled to a high probability state, there are specifications that control the state to a high probability state until the next big win is awarded, specifications that control the state to a high probability state until a fall lottery is won (falling machine), and specifications that control the state to a high probability state until a predetermined number of pattern change games are completed (ST machine). Pachinko gaming machines that can be controlled to a high probability state include specifications that control the state to a high probability state when a game ball passes through a specific area (V probability change machine). The pachinko gaming machine of the above embodiment may be embodied in any of these specifications. It may also be a pachinko gaming machine with a specification that combines the above-mentioned falling machine and V probability change machine. The V probability change machine has a specification that has a single large prize opening and generates a specific round game. The V probability change machine has a specification that has multiple large prize openings, including a large prize opening (V prize opening) that is opened in a specific round game and a large prize opening that is opened in a round game other than the specific round game, and generates a specific round game. Each embodiment may be embodied in any type of V-type variable machine.

・The number of game balls that have been launched may be counted. For example, the number of game balls that have been launched into the game area 21 may be counted. For example, the number of game balls that have been discharged from the various winning holes and the outlet 36 (so-called out balls) may be counted to count the number of game balls that have been launched. For example, the information indicating that progress is impossible may be stored in the main RAM 43 on the condition that a value based on the number of game balls that have been launched and the number of game balls that have been awarded (hereinafter, referred to as a specific value) has reached a specified value. For example, the specific value may be stored in the main RAM 43. The specific value may be configured to be subtracted by 1 every time one game ball is launched, while the specific value may be updated by adding the number of game balls that have been awarded as prize balls to the specific value. In addition, if the specific value is subtracted and falls below "0", the specific value may be configured to be "0", and the specific value may be updated so that the specific value does not fall below "0". For example, if the specified value is "99000", when the specific value reaches "90000", the display device 25 may be configured to execute a display that warns that the specific value is approaching the specified value. This display can be said to be a display that warns in advance that unprogressable information may be stored in the main RAM 43, that is, a display that warns in advance that a special condition may be established. When configured as described above, a process to update the specific value may be performed in addition to or instead of the unit prize ball process.

- It may be configured so that the state may be controlled to a high probability state after the end of a jackpot game, or so that the state may be controlled to a low probability state after the end of a jackpot game. For example, the types of jackpots may include jackpots that are determined to be controlled to a high probability state after the end of a jackpot game, and jackpots that are determined to be controlled to a low probability state after the end of a jackpot game.

- In the above embodiment, the information is separated into information that can identify whether the state is a low probability state or a high probability state, information that can identify whether the state is an open extension state or a non-open extension state, and information that can identify whether the state is a variable shortening state or a non-variable shortening state, but some or all of the information may be common information.

- It may be configured so that it can be controlled to the extended open state based on the number of special games played in the low probability state, even if a jackpot is not won. It may also be configured so that it can be controlled to the shortened variable state, even if a jackpot is not won, based on the number of special games played in the low probability state. For example, the above embodiment may be applied to a gaming machine that is controlled to a specific low probability state when the number of special games played without a jackpot being won since being controlled to the low probability state reaches a predetermined number of times after a jackpot game ends.

-Even if a jackpot is not won, the machine may be configured to be controllable to an extended open state based on a special symbol (e.g., a chance symbol) different from the jackpot symbol being displayed as a fixed stop in a special game. Also, even if a jackpot is not won, the machine may be configured to be controllable to a shortened variable state based on a special symbol being displayed as a fixed stop in a special game. For example, the above embodiment may be applied to a gaming machine that is controlled to a specific low probability state when a special symbol different from the jackpot symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in a special game during a normal low probability state.

The above embodiment may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine in which a virtual medium composed of electronic data is dispensed when a gaming ball is dispensed. In other words, the above embodiment may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine in which no physical gaming medium is dispensed (a so-called managed gaming machine). Such a pachinko gaming machine is configured to convert the virtual medium into a gaming ball that can be fired by using the virtual medium, and to be able to fire the gaming ball. For example, when the machine is controlled to an unprogressable state, the virtual medium may be configured to be unconvertible into a gaming ball.

- In the above embodiment, the sub-substrate 50 may be a sub-general control substrate, and a display control substrate that specializes in controlling the performance display device 25, a light emission control substrate that specializes in controlling the decorative lamps 17, a sound control substrate that specializes in controlling the speakers 18, and a movable body control substrate that specializes in controlling the movable body 24 may be provided separately from the sub-substrate 50. Such a sub-general control substrate and substrates that control other performances may be included in the sub-substrate. Also, the main CPU 41 of the main substrate 40 and the sub-CPU 51 of the sub-substrate 50 may be mounted on a single substrate. The display control substrate, light emission control substrate, sound control substrate, and movable body control substrate may be combined in any manner to form a single or multiple substrates.

- The information display panel 22 may be provided with a remaining number display section that displays the number of prize balls remaining to be paid out to the player. The information display panel 22 may be provided with a round number display section that displays the number of rounds played during a jackpot game. In addition, the various display sections of the information display panel 22 do not need to be provided on the same member (the information display panel 22 in the above embodiment), and for example, some or all of the display sections may be provided on a member separate from the other display sections.

Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and other examples will be described below.
(i) A gaming machine that can be controlled to an unprogressable state in which it is impossible to progress with the game, and that can award a jackpot game after the variable game has ended if a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery held when a variable game is executed, the gaming machine comprises a start port, a start ball entry detection means for detecting a game ball entering the start port, a hold control means for executing hold control to suspend the execution of the variable game when a game ball enters the start port, and an unprogressable state control means for controlling to the unprogressable state when a special condition is met, and when the special condition is met while a variable game is being executed and the gaming machine is controlled to the unprogressable state, in the unprogressable state, even if a game ball enters the start port, the execution of the variable game is not suspended when the ball enters the start port.

(B) A gaming machine that can be controlled to a non-progression state where it is impossible to proceed with a game and can award a jackpot game after the variable game ends if a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery held when a variable game is executed, the gaming machine comprising: a start port; a start ball entry detection means capable of detecting the entry of a game ball into the start port; a hold control means capable of executing hold control to hold the execution of the variable game when a game ball enters the start port; a hold state control means capable of controlling to the non-progression state when a special condition is met; and a hold display means capable of displaying a hold image corresponding to the variable game whose execution is put on hold; and when the special condition is met while the variable game is being executed and the game is controlled to the non-progression state, in the non-progression state, even if a game ball enters the start port, the execution of the variable game is not put on hold when the ball enters the start port, and when the hold image is displayed on the hold display means, and when the special condition is met while the variable game is being executed and the game is controlled to the non-progression state, the display of the hold image displayed on the hold display means ends.

(c) A gaming machine that can be controlled to an unprogressable state where it is impossible to progress with a game, that can launch game balls by operating a launch handle, and that can award a jackpot game after the variable game ends if a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery held when a variable game is played, the gaming machine is equipped with a launch control means that can execute launch control related to the launch of game balls based on the operation of the launch handle, and an unprogressable state control means that can control to the unprogressable state when a special condition is met, and that, when the special condition is met while a variable game is being played and the game is controlled to the unprogressable state, in the unprogressable state, the gaming machine will not launch game balls even if the launch handle is operated.

(ii) A gaming machine that can be controlled to a non-progression state where it is impossible to proceed with a game, that can launch game balls by operating a launch handle, and that can award a jackpot game after the variable game ends if a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery held when a variable game is played, comprising: a launch control means that can execute launch control related to the launch of game balls based on the operation of the launch handle; a non-progression state control means that can control the non-progression state when a special condition is met; a presentation execution means; and a presentation control means that can control the presentation execution means, wherein the presentation that can be executed by the presentation execution means includes a specific area presentation that encourages the launch of game balls into a specific area, and when the special condition is met while the variable game is being played and the non-progression state is controlled, in the non-progression state, the game balls are not launched even if the launch handle is operated, and when the specific area presentation is being executed and the special condition is met while the variable game is being played and the non-progression state is controlled, the specific area presentation ends.

(e) A gaming machine that can be controlled to a non-progression state in which it is impossible to progress a game and can suspend the execution of a variable game, the gaming machine comprising: a suspension control means capable of executing suspension control to suspend the execution of the variable game; a variable game control means that executes the variable game if an execution condition for the variable game is met while the execution of the variable game is suspended; and an inability control means that can control the game to the non-progression state when a special condition is met, and that is characterized in that, when the special condition is met while the execution of the variable game is suspended and the game is controlled to the non-progression state, the suspended variable game is not executed.

(F) A gaming machine that can be controlled to a disabled state where it is impossible to proceed with a game and that can award a jackpot game after the variable game ends if a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery held when a variable game is executed, the gaming machine is equipped with a disabled state control means that can control the machine to the disabled state when a special condition is met, and when the special condition is met while a jackpot game has been awarded, the machine is not controlled to the disabled state until the awarded jackpot game ends, and the award of the jackpot game continues.

(G) A gaming machine that can be controlled to an incapable state where it is impossible to proceed with a game, and that can award a jackpot game after the end of a variable game based on a jackpot win in a jackpot lottery held when a variable game is played, when a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery held when the variable game is played, the gaming machine is equipped with an incapable state control means that can control the machine to the incapable state when a special condition is met, and when the special condition is met within the period from the start of a variable game based on a jackpot win until the variable game ends and the jackpot game is awarded, the machine is controlled to the incapable state when the special condition is met, and the jackpot game is not awarded.

(H) A gaming machine that can be controlled to an unprogressable state where it is impossible to progress in a game, comprising: a magnetic detection means capable of detecting magnetism; a magnetic management control means capable of executing magnetic management control related to the detection of magnetism by the magnetic detection means; and an unprogressable state control means capable of controlling to the unprogressable state when a special condition is met, wherein the magnetic management control means does not execute the magnetic management control at least during the period from when the special condition is met and the machine is controlled to the unprogressable state until the power supply is stopped.

(R) A gaming machine that can be controlled to a non-progression state where it is impossible to progress with a game, and that can award a jackpot game after the variable game ends if a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery held when a variable game is executed, the gaming machine is equipped with a probability state control means that can control the state to either a non-probability-variable state or a probability-variable state in which the probability of winning a jackpot in the jackpot lottery is higher than that of the non-probability-variable state, and an inability state control means that can control the state to the non-progression state when a special condition is met, the jackpot game includes a specific jackpot game that can be controlled to the probability-variable state after the jackpot game ends, and when the special condition is met while the jackpot game is awarded, the variable game is not executed in the probability-variable state even if the jackpot game is the specific jackpot game.

(J) A gaming machine that can be controlled to a disabled state where it is impossible to proceed with a game and that can award a jackpot game after a variable game ends if a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery, the gaming machine comprising: a general prize winning port; prize ball control means that can execute control to award prize balls when a game ball enters the general prize winning port; and disabled state control means that can control to the disabled state when a special condition is met, and when the special condition is met while a variable game is being played and the gaming machine is controlled to the disabled state, in the disabled state, prize balls are not awarded when a game ball enters the general prize winning port, even if the ball enters the general prize winning port.

10... Pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 12... Outer frame 13... Middle frame 14... Front frame 17... Decorative lamp 18... Speaker 22... Information display panel 22a... First special symbol display section 22b... Second special symbol display section 22c... First special hold display section 22d... Second special hold display section 22e... Normal symbol display section 22f... Normal hold display section 22g... Right hit notification lamp 24... Movable body 25... Performance display device 26... First start port 27... Second start port 29... First large prize port 31... Second large prize port 33... Gate 34... First general prize port 35... Second general prize port 40... Main board 41... Main CPU 42... Main ROM 43... Main RAM 45... Clear switch 50... Sub-board 51... Sub-CPU 52...Sub-ROM 53...Sub-RAM 60...Power supply unit 70...Firing device 71...Ball feed mechanism 72...Firing mechanism 73...Firing drive circuit ES1...Door open sensor ES2...Magnetic sensor HB...Handle volume SE1...First start sensor SE2...Second start sensor SE3...First count sensor SE4...Second count sensor SE5...Gate sensor SE6...First general sensor SE7...Second general sensor TS...Touch sensor

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine that can be controlled to a non-progression state in which it is impossible to proceed with a game,
A magnetic detection means capable of detecting magnetism;
An information display section whose display contents can be updated as the game progresses;
A main control unit;
A sub-control unit capable of executing a predetermined process based on control information from the main control unit,
The main control unit is
a function as a magnetic management control means capable of executing magnetic management control relating to the detection of magnetic field by the magnetic detection means;
A function as an unprogression state control means capable of controlling the game to the unprogression state when a special condition is satisfied;
a function as an information display unit control means capable of controlling the display content of the information display unit;
A function as a prize ball control means capable of executing control for awarding prize balls;
The special condition is established when a variable value that can be changed with the award of the prize ball reaches a predetermined value,
the magnetic management control means does not execute the magnetic management control at least during a period from when the special condition is satisfied and the vehicle is controlled to the non-travel state until the power supply is stopped,
A gaming machine characterized in that the display content of the information display unit is not updated as a result of being controlled to the progress-impossible state, even if the state is controlled to the progress-impossible state.

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