The Complete Guide to Gambling Pinball Machines: From Prohibition to Modern Times
Pinball machines have a fascinating history intertwined with gambling and legal battles. From their early days as purely chance-based games to their transformation into skill-based entertainment, pinball has experienced a remarkable journey. This comprehensive guide explores the evolution of gambling pinball machines, their legal status, and their impact on American culture.
Types and Applications of Gambling Pinball Machines
| Type | Era | Key Features | Legal Status | Notable Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Mechanical | 1930s | No flippers, purely chance-based | Widely banned | Bally Hoo |
| Payout Machines | 1933-1950s | Direct coin payouts | Illegal in many areas | Bally’s ROCKET |
| Free Play Machines | 1935-1950s | Free games/replays | Legal in some areas | Rockola’s FLASH |
| Bingo Pinballs | 1950s-1970s | Multiple balls, pattern-based | Subject to Johnson Act | Bally’s BRIGHT LIGHT |
| Add-A-Ball | 1960s-present | Extra balls instead of replays | Legal in most areas | Gottlieb’s FLIPPER |
The Early Days: Pinball as Pure Gambling
Pinball’s journey began in the early 1930s, coinciding with the Great Depression. The first coin-operated machine, Bally Hoo, hit the market in 1931. These early machines were simple, lacking flippers, and operated purely on chance. Players would place bets, and operators would hand out prizes ranging from gum to jewelry. The lack of skill-based elements made pinball an easy target for gambling authorities.
The Rise of Payout Machines
In 1933, Bally revolutionized the industry with ROCKET, the first machine to offer direct coin payouts. This innovation split the pinball industry into two distinct categories: “payouts” and “novelty” games. Payout machines became a significant business, with manufacturers like Bally, Gottlieb, and Western Equipment and Supply leading the charge. These machines often featured “one-ball” designs and became popular in areas where slot machines were banned.
The Free Play Revolution
The introduction of free games in 1935 by Rockola’s FLASH marked a turning point. This innovation allowed players to earn additional games through skill, rather than chance. The “free-play coin mechanism” became a standard feature, enabling operators to offer both gambling and non-gambling versions of the same game. This flexibility helped pinball survive in areas with strict anti-gambling laws.
The Johnson Act and Its Impact
The 1950 Johnson Act dealt a significant blow to the gambling industry by banning interstate shipment of gambling devices. This law specifically targeted “one-ball” games and led to the development of new game types. Manufacturers like Bally and United adapted by creating “bingo” style pinballs, which used multiple balls and pattern-based scoring. However, these machines were eventually ruled as gambling devices by the Supreme Court in 1957.
The Add-A-Ball Solution
In response to the legal challenges, Gottlieb introduced the Add-A-Ball concept in 1960. Instead of offering free games, these machines provided extra balls for high scores. This innovation helped pinball regain acceptance in areas where replays were banned. The challenge of maximizing play time with limited balls became a new skill-based element that appealed to players.
Technical Features Comparison
| Feature | Early Mechanical | Payout Machines | Free Play | Bingo Pinballs | Add-A-Ball |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balls per Game | 1 | 1 | 5+ | 5+ | 5 |
| Skill Elements | None | Limited | Moderate | Low | High |
| Payout Mechanism | None | Direct coin | Free games | Pattern-based | Extra balls |
| Legal Issues | Banned | Illegal | Variable | Challenged | Generally legal |
| Notable Innovations | Coin operation | Direct payouts | Free games | Pattern matching | Extra balls |
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Conclusion
The history of gambling pinball machines is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptation. From purely chance-based games to sophisticated skill-based entertainment, pinball has evolved through legal challenges and technological innovations. Today, while some forms of gambling pinball still exist in regulated environments, the industry has largely transformed into a legitimate form of entertainment that emphasizes skill over chance.
FAQ
What was the main reason pinball was banned in many cities?
Pinball was banned primarily due to its association with gambling. Early machines lacked skill-based elements, making them easy targets for anti-gambling campaigns. The lack of flippers and direct payout mechanisms made pinball appear similar to slot machines.
How did the introduction of flippers change pinball’s legal status?
Flippers introduced a significant skill element to pinball, helping to argue that it was more of a game of skill than chance. This shift became a key legal defense in court cases challenging pinball bans.
What was the Johnson Act and how did it affect pinball?
The 1950 Johnson Act banned interstate shipment of gambling devices. This law specifically targeted “one-ball” games and led to the development of new game types like bingo pinballs. It also forced manufacturers to eliminate features like the “knock-off button” from flipper games.
Why did manufacturers develop Add-A-Ball games?
Add-A-Ball games were developed as a response to laws banning free games. By offering extra balls instead of free games, manufacturers could continue to provide a skill-based challenge while avoiding legal restrictions.
What role did the mob play in pinball’s history?
Many early pinball machines came from Chicago, a city known for its mob activity. This association, combined with the gambling nature of early machines, contributed to pinball’s negative reputation and subsequent bans.
How did pinball operators get around anti-gambling laws?
Operators used various methods, including hidden “knock-off buttons” for payout machines, “skill lane” gimmicks to claim games were skill-based, and ticket venders that could be redeemed for prizes.
What was the significance of the 1957 Korpran Decision?
This Supreme Court ruling declared that bingo pinball machines were gambling devices subject to the Johnson Act. This decision severely limited the use of these machines except in a few states where they were legal.
How did pinball manufacturers adapt to changing legal landscapes?
Manufacturers continuously adapted by developing new game types, removing controversial features, and emphasizing skill-based elements. They also formed organizations like the Coin Machine Institute to improve pinball’s public image.
What is the current legal status of pinball gambling?
While traditional pinball gambling is largely a thing of the past, some modern pinball machines are designed for regulated gambling environments. These machines typically feature more sophisticated payout mechanisms and are subject to strict regulations.
How has the perception of pinball changed over time?
Pinball has transformed from being seen as a gambling device and negative influence on youth to being recognized as a legitimate form of entertainment that emphasizes skill and competition.