For fans of pinball, it feels like our favorite machines have always been around. Many of us remember the pinball heyday of the 80s and early 90s, when every arcade, movie theater, and bowling alley had their very own Centaur or Eight Ball Deluxe. But believe it or not, there was a time when pinball machines were just a glint in a game designer’s eye!
So, when did the very first pinball machine actually appear? The short answer is: 1931. That year, Automated Industries released a game called Whiffle Board, and Bally released a game called Ballyhoo. This sparked an industry that would see some wild ups and downs, but never fully fade away. Today, pinball machines are going stronger than ever.
If you're a keeper of pinball lore, you know a French game called bagatelle laid the groundwork for what we know as pinball machines today. But there's a lot more to the story. Let’s plunge into the exciting history of pinball and its incredible transition from humble arcade fixture to head-turning work of art.
When Was The First Pinball Machine Invented? Tracing The Origins
For pinball lovers, lore is an essential part of the appreciation. We started using the word pinball in the 1930s, but there were earlier games that laid the foundation for the modern pinball machines. As the kids would say, those simple games walked so the modern pinball machine could run. The history of pinball machines excites and fascinates to this day, so let's dive in.
Photo credit: https://www.chesterbagatelle.co.uk/history.htm
The Gaming World Before Pinball
Before we had blinking lights and buzzing bumpers, we had a game called Bagatelle.
In 18th-century France, this simple game captured the imagination of both royalty and commoners--an interesting feat! It was played on a narrow table with wooden pins and sticks (similar to cue sticks), and its players would ricochet balls around obstacles into scoring holes. You can think of Bagatelle tables as the grandfathers of modern pinball machines!
Who Invented Pinball Machines?
It’s hard to credit any one person or company with the invention of pinball.
The concept really took off in 1931 when Whiffle Board and Ballyhoo hit the market. These popular games had a steel ball, wooden pins, and a plunger. They weren't electric, and they didn't have flippers, but they brought people together and they were loads of fun.
In 1947, Gottlieb unveiled Humpty Dumpty. It was the first machine with flippers, which made it a game-changer (literally)! Players could suddenly control the ball’s movement, making pinball a game of skill and strategy instead of luck and gravity.
Today, modern pinball designers like Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP) build on that exciting legacy. From flippers to multi-layered playfields and immersive storytelling, JJP honors the classics while taking every chance to explore new avenues for innovation and craftsmanship. Every JJP game hints at the storied past of pinball machines while embracing cutting-edge technology. It's the perfect mix of old school and new wave innovation.
The Original Pinball Machines
The Very First Pinball Machines
Pinball as we know it first emerged in the early 1930s. It was around that time that early game designers started making compact, upright Bagatelle tables with automatic scoring and coin-operated triggers. The first pinball machines weren’t the complex wonders of today, but they were the prototype that launched a thousand (or a million) games. And that's pretty impressive!
Baffle Ball (1931) and Its Significance
Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baffle_Ball
Generally considered one of the first pinball machines, Baffle Ball was released by Gottlieb in 1931. It had a small cabinet, spring-loaded plunger, scoring holes, and a metal ball, but no electricity. Players paid a nickel per game and counted on strategic launches to rack up points.
Its appeal? Compact size, affordable cost, and replayability. They didn't need a power source, so the first pinball machines could go just about anywhere. Accessibility helped make Baffle Ball a breakout success, selling a whopping 50,000 units.
Coin Operation: A Game-Changer
Coin operation meant pinball was more than a game--it was a booming business. Suddenly, machine owners had good reason to promote the games. Players could enjoy a round for a few cents, and operators could cash in on the craze. The coin-operated pinball game helped the pastime spread like wildfire and set the stage for the arcade culture of the future.
Ballyhoo and the Birth of Bally
Photo credit: https://www.ipdb.org/showpic.pl?id=4817&picno=5635
Released in 1931, Ballyhoo was the debut machine from Bally Manufacturing Company. Named after a then-popular magazine, the game had eye-catching graphics and a groovy design. But its success wasn’t just in gameplay. It marked the launch of one of the most iconic pinball manufacturers in history. According to IPDB "Raymond T. Moloney founded and Incorporated Bally Manufacturing Company on January 10, 1932.” Shown above is the Ballyhoo magazine which caused Ray Moloney to name the game and the name of the company."
Ballyhoo’s success came not only from its colorful, eye-catching design, but also from its affordability during the Great Depression—offering players 7 balls for a penny or 10 balls for a nickel.
Today, Jersey Jack carries the legacy of the early machines while maintaining a totally fresh vision for the future. In the same way Baffle Ball and Ballyhoo introduced the world to the thrill of coin-operated pinball - JJP is transforming the game into full-scale, cinematic experiences.They’re beyond arcade games. They’re collector-grade, handcrafted machines built for pinball enthusiasts and aficionados the world over.
Title: Jersey Jack’s Harry Potter Pinball Machine Playfield
The Golden Age of Pinball: The 1970s Arcade Boom and Cultural Shift
By the late 70s, coin-operated pinball machines were everywhere. Arcades were booming, bars and restaurants were jam-packed, and millions of machines were circulating. It was the Golden Age of Pinball--a turning point for the fledgling industry.
So what triggered this massive boom?
innovation.The 1970s brought huge design improvements to pinball, with advances like electromechanical systems, digital scoring, and bolder playfield designs. These innovations introduced more intricate rules and gameplay, giving rise to sophisticated game layouts and fresh storytelling. Pinball was no longer passive—the combination of lights, sounds, and skill pulled players into an active and unforgettable arcade experience.
But pinball was just flashy, fun, and fresh enough to ruffle feathers. Believe it or not, pinball was banned in major cities like New York and Los Angeles. Some people said the game corrupted the impressionable and innocent youth. This unfounded accusation lasted into the '70s, with older generations seeing pinball as a pastime for delinquents.
But that all changed in 1976 -
Roger Sharpe, a journalist and avid pinball player, testified before the New York City Council that pinball was a game of skill, not luck. In a dramatic public display, he called his shot and used the ball shooter to sink it perfectly. Pinball wasn't a gamble - It was a game of skill! The ban on pinball was lifted on August 1, 1976.
Photo credit: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net
Today, the focus on skill lives on at Jersey Jack. Each JJP game is carefully crafted with intentionality, precision, and challenge baked in. We blend classic elements with modern innovations for the best of both worlds. We create modern pinball machines that reward (and sharpen) player, strategy, focus, and technique.
Explore Jersey Jack’s modern, handcrafted machines
Title: Jersey Jack’s Avatar Pinball Machine
Pinball's Decline And The Art Of The Comeback
The history of pinball is full of deaths and resurrections! By the late 1970s, pinball was at its peak—over 100 unique titles launched in a single year, fueling a billion-dollar industry. But the ’80s brought a formidable rival: the video game. Fast-paced, screen-based sensations like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong stole the spotlight, and suddenly pinball—once an arcade powerhouse—was at risk of fading into relic status.
Once insanely popular, people started to see pinball machines as outdated. They were a craze that had faded, as most fads do. The industry shrunk fast. Major pinball manufacturers closed. Even long-standing giants couldn't compete with the speed and spectacle of the digital games.
Never fear. Pinball was down, but not out!
Regardless of the trends, loyal players, collectors, and dreamers kept the silver ball alive.
The evolution of the new pinball machines
Title: Jersey Jack’s Harry Potter Pinball Machine Playfield element: The Whomping Willow
From their beginnings with springs, bumpers, and gravity—mechanics that remain at the heart of the game—pinball machines have evolved into high-tech entertainment systems rivaling modern video games. Today, Jersey Jack embodies both tradition and innovation. While the shift from electro-mechanical to digital systems began in the late 20th century, it’s the last two decades that have truly transformed pinball into an immersive, next-level experience.
Today’s machines are so much more than just games. They're memory-making machines, unforgettable experiences, and portals into fully-immersive worlds that capture the player's eyes, imaginations, and hearts.
Like classic pinball machines? You'll love how modern pinball machines take things to the next level:
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Fully Integrated Audio-Visual Systems
Cinematic sound design and high-definition displays pull players into the action. With movie-quality audio and custom animations, every game becomes a story you can enter and affect. -
Computer-Controlled Lighting and Scoring
Dynamic LED lighting responds to every shot, combo, and event on the playfield. The lights don’t just illuminate the game; they set the mood, enhance tension, and celebrate your wins. -
Dynamic Rule Sets
Today’s pinball isn’t just about hitting targets. With complex, branching rule systems and customizable challenges, each game is fresh, strategic, and endlessly replayable. -
Online Connectivity
Integrated Wi-Fi and network systems allow players to receive game updates and access remote diagnostics. This keeps machines performing at their best.
At Jersey Jack, innovations aren’t gimmicks. These tools help craft machines that feel like epic cinematic adventures. The sounds, the lights, the shots, the story: everything is designed to create experiences of depth and enjoyment that can be shared and appreciated for years to come!
Older pinball machines while simple, are still beloved. Now, you have the added luxuries and excitement of HD displays, handcrafted art, and deeply integrated storytelling. What started as a coin-operated diversion has become an artful, awe-inspiring showpiece of fun. That's why no modern entertainment or game room space is complete without one (or two, or three…) of our luxury, collectable pinball machines!
Title: Jersey Jack’s Guns N’ Roses Pinball Machine Playfield
Explore Jersey Jack’s full game collection here
Jersey Jack: Playable Works Of Art
Each Jersey Jack game brings together beloved pop culture and artisanal skill: unique artwork, licensed soundtracks, and cinematic displays all to guarantee a stunning experience. With titles like Harry Potter, JJP continues to lead the next generation of modern pinball machines with storytelling, technology, and design at the highest level.
Title: Jersey Jack’s Game Designers
Digital Scoring Pinball Machines And Cinematic Displays
JJP was the first manufacturer to introduce a 27-inch High-Definition screen on its pinball machines, transforming traditional gameplay into something way more immersive. Our full-color display does more than track your score - it immerses you into our games with dynamic animations, memorable movie clips, and jaw-dropping concert footage.
Owning a JJP game is like bringing a private theater and arcade into your home.
Artisanal craftsmanship
Every JJP machine is hand-assembled in the USA with care, precision, and reverence for the history of pinball. For collectors and enthusiasts, this level of craftsmanship means more than just quality. It represents a historic heritage. It honors the tradition of American pinball while raising the bar for everything these machines have the potential to be!
With every JJP game, you’ll get:
- Mechanical Innovation: These features create tactile, interactive moments designed to surprise and delight players of all levels.
- Artist-designed cabinet artwork: JJP collaborates with top artists to ensure each machine is as beautiful on the outside as it is thrilling to play.
- Original scores and licensed music: From Elton John to Guns N’ Roses, JJP games integrate music as part of the storytelling experience.
- Professional voice acting and character integration: Dialogue, effects, and callouts deepen the immersion and help the narrative unfold as you play.
Who Plays Pinball Today?
The history of pinball is fascinating, and it teaches us this: Pinball is no relic of the arcade era. It’s a modern-day lifestyle statement, a collector’s gem, and an entertaining centerpiece that brings people together and fills them with joy. Our pinball machines are made for discerning players, collectors, celebrities, adults, and families.
High-End Homeowners & Interior Designers
JJP pinball machines are designed to shine in game rooms, media lounges, and entertainment spaces. For homeowners seeking gameplay luxury, Jersey Jack machines bring energy, personality, and a touch of nostalgia.
Title: Jersey Jack Collector’s Game Room
Luxury Venues & Hospitality Spaces
Boutique hotels, members clubs, and high-end entertainment venues are turning to JJP to provide interactive experiences that guests will remember. New pinball machines offer an upscale twist on nostalgia, blending craftsmanship and play into a seamless branded experience.
Competitive Pinball Players
Pinball tournaments are alive and well, and players are always seeking out pinball machines that reward skill, precision, and strategy. JJP’s dynamic rule sets, unique shots, and advanced scoring systems make them a favorite for competitive players who want more than just flashing lights.
Built to Be Collected: The Art and Value of Today’s Pinball Machines
Today’s pinball machines are more than games. They’re collectible works of art with cultural and financial value. At JJP, every machine is designed with the collector in mind. Limited production run times and the design of the highly sought-after Collector’s Editions make every release an exciting event.
Owning a JJP machine means owning a piece of pop culture. From nostalgic themes like The Wizard of Oz to iconic licenses like Harry Potter and Guns N’ Roses, each game offers a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. We're proud to blend gameplay, music, and art into something entirely new: functional art.
Beyond the artistry, pinball continues to thrive as a community. Whether you’re a tournament player, casual enthusiast, or collector, being part of the pinball world means connecting with others who appreciate the history, strategy, and magic of the game. With JJP, you’re not just buying a machine, you’re joining a movement that honors the past, embraces the future, and celebrates the joy of play.
Title: Axl Rose signing the Guns N Roses Pinball Machine by Jersey Jack
Glossary of Classic & Modern Pinball Terms
Ball Shooter
The ball shooter is the spring-loaded plunger used to launch the ball onto the playfield. While early pinball machines used a simple mechanical ball shooter, modern machines with updated ball shooters may include automatic or digital mechanisms that adjust launch strength. No matter how advanced the game gets, the iconic ball shooter remains essential.
Electro-Mechanical Pinball Machines
Before microprocessors, electro-mechanical pinball machines used relays, switches, and stepper units to control scoring and gameplay. These machines defined much of the mid-century pinball era and laid the groundwork for today’s digital systems.
Bingo Pinball Machines
Not to be confused with traditional bingo, these pinball machines were coin-operated games with a grid-based scoring system. Players launched balls onto the grid to match patterns for prizes. These machines were especially popular in the 1950s and are now rare collector’s items.
Title: Jersey Jack’s Harry Potter Pinball Machine
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When were arcade games invented?
They were invented in 1971, when future Atari founders Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney created Computer Space, the world’s first arcade video game. Their engineering backgrounds and passion for interactive entertainment helped spark an industry-wide revolution in coin-operated gaming.
When was the first arcade game invented?
The first commercially available arcade game, Computer Space, was invented in 1971 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. This pioneering title laid the foundation for the modern arcade industry and led to the creation of Atari’s Pong shortly after.
Who invented pinball machines?
While no single person is credited with inventing pinball, early innovators like David Gottlieb and Raymond Maloney (founder of Bally) helped shape the game into what it is today. Gottlieb’s Baffle Ball (1931) and Bally’s Ballyhoo were among the first coin-operated pinball machines.
Why is it called pinball?
Pinball got its name from the metal pins used in the earliest machines. Before flippers were introduced, the ball would simply bounce through a forest of these static pins, guiding it into scoring areas. The pins gave the game its name: pinball.
Are pinball machines a good investment?
Many pinball machines, especially limited Collector’s Editions from manufacturers like Jersey Jack, increase in value over time and become generational family heirlooms. With pop culture themes, hand-assembled parts, and global demand, they offer both entertainment and potential long-term return.
How do modern pinball machines differ from older ones?
Modern pinball machines include HD displays, computer-controlled scoring, programmable gameplay, and integrated soundtracks. They still honor the core elements of classic pinball machines, but elevate the experience with cinematic effects and interactive storytelling.
Where can I buy a pinball machine?
You can purchase high-end pinball machines directly from manufacturers like Jersey Jack. The collection includes titles like The Godfather, Elton John, Harry Potter, and Avatar, all made with premium craftsmanship and exclusive features.
Can you play pinball machines at home?
Absolutely! Today’s pinball machines are built with home use in mind. From compact builds to collector-grade showpieces, there are options for casual players, serious enthusiasts, and interior design lovers alike. Modern games are fun, with a little something for everyone: from fans of The Addams Family to die-hard Harry Potter and Guns n’ Roses..
Why is it called pinball?
The very first 1930s pinball machine playfields had nails, or “pins”. These little metal pins “directed” the ball until the beloved game evolved to include its now-famous flippers. Since these pins were critical to the game’s progression and score, they came to define it–from its earliest iterations to today!
Are electro-mechanical pinball machines still around?
Yes, electro-mechanical pinball machines are still popular among collectors. These older pinball machines use mechanical parts and relays instead of digital processors, offering a tactile, vintage feel.
Why is the history of pinball important to collectors?
From Bagatelle tables to Whiffle Board to Sega Pinball, The Addams Family, and Monster Bash, understanding the history of pinball helps collectors appreciate the evolution from simple coin-operated games to modern pinball machines with digital scoring, themed art, and immersive soundtracks.