Believe It Or Not, At One Time, Playing a Pinball Machine Was Illegal!
Believe It Or Not, At One Time, Playing a Pinball Machine Was Illegal!
Yes, believe it or not at one time, playing pinball was illegal! States including Michigan in the 1940s banned playing pinball, saying it was gambling.
Some local establishments gave prizes such as gum candy cigarettes and sometimes even dishware. But it wasn’t until the ’70s that it was challenged in court and was proven to be a game of skill and not illegal. But, Michigan didn’t care and didn’t lift the ban until 1972. I am glad to tell you from my own experience that I’ve never been arrested for playing but have been accused a lot.
Pinball has turned the corner and become popular again as arcades have increased around the United States, including here in Michigan. A couple of arcades to check out are Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum in West Bloomfield and the Free Play Pinball Arcade in Frasier.
A movie recently made tells the tale of how one man, Roger Sharp gained fame following a 1976 New York City hearing where he provided a demonstration to members of the Manhattan City Council, that pinball was a game of skill rather than chance, and therefore not subject to legal prohibitions on gambling. Hard to believe local Sherriff departments would go on raids and destroy games in the process. It made me cry at just the thought of it. The movie takes liberty as every Hollywood movie does. But Roger Sharp’s story is a true story.
Thanks to all the great arcades that I went to growing up. Van Dyke Sports Center, Wizards Arcade, Walkers Pinball Palace, Motor City Roller Rink, Aladdin’s Arcade, Galaxy Arcade, and more. Good to know now we have what they call, “Barcades.” Food beer and cocktails are served along with classic video and classic and new pinball machines.
Some of Your Favorite Classic Rock Bands Have a Pinball Game
2012 AC/DC Stern
2012 AC/DC Pinball
Great fun game with an awesome playlist of AC/DC songs to keep you rocking for hours
1979 KISS - Bally
1979 Bally KISS Pinball
17,000 KISS pinball games were made of the original game. Later in 2015, Stern made an updated version. If you have one of the original games hold on to it as it’s going up in price now that the band is allegedly on their final tour.
Aerosmith 2017 Pinball by Stern
Aerosmith 2017 Pinball by Stern
With an MSRP when new: $8,999.00 Aerosmith keeps fans entertained with drum sounds, toys in the attic multi-ball, and a soundtrack of classic Aerosmith.
Captain Fantastic - 1976 Bally
1976 Captain Fantastic by Bally
Remember first playing this at the Van Dyke Sports Center in Warren, MI. Loved the old-style bells and it is a bit slow by today’s standards. The artwork is so interesting with secret drawings hidden throughout the game.
Nugent - Stern 1976
1978 Nugent Pinball by Stern
This Nugent pinball I own myself. Location now is in my office at WCSX. I couldn’t afford the KISS pinball and came across this game which only 2,437 were made. Thought it might be a good investment. Plus you can’t beat the Motorcity Madman.
