Abstract: A power-saving system for use with a bowling machine which initiates motor operation when a bowling ball passes a position in front of the pit cushion and deactivates the motor upon the bowling ball return sequence. The system comprises a switch for controlling power to the motor which is activated upon detection of the bowling ball passage past a position in front of the pit cushion. Detection of the return of the bowling ball onto the track deactivates the switch. A circuit includes a group of switches for detecting various functions of the machine cycle to hold the switch in an activated state.