Abstract: A pool table having a playing surface with which ball accomodating pockets are associated. Pocketed balls are conveyed by a runway system via a trap toward a compartment at one end of the table that is accessible to a player. The trap has a gate operable to prevent passage of the object balls into the compartment. The operation of the gate is controlled by a latch which is movable between a first position in which it latches the gate in ball-blocking position and a second position in which it enables balls to pass the gate. The position of the latch is responsive to operation of a latch driving motor.