The Pinnacle Moment: How Has Pinball Inspired Casino Games

Would casinos be a part of the flourishing entertainment industry if it weren’t for pinball machines? If you’re a retro-game lover, you’ll surely have played a few pinball machines. The history of pinball machines is closely linked to that of the casino industry.

Continue reading for a brief history of the pinball machine, as well as a few of the best pinball-inspired casino games for you to try. 

A Brief History

The fun and entertaining pinball machine that we’ve all come to know and love was actually born for a tragic reason. During the Great Depression in America, many sought a cheap form of entertainment to distract them from their financial problems. 

The first game was loosely based on Bagatelle, the French game where players must manoeuvre their assigned ball past metal pins that had been placed in the ground. This eventually was manipulated into a smaller scale for more accessible fun called Flippers. Thus, the pinball machine was invented. 

In the 1950s, pioneer pinball companies such as Bally and Gottlieb decided to innovate the basic game into one that included more mechanisms, packages and higher scores. Eventually, this form of fun became enjoyed all over the world, and so it went on until the world of technology started to bloom.

How Has Pinball Inspired Casino Games?

The game of pinball soon entered the world of electronic gaming and inspired plenty of other colourful and interactive games that many have come to know and love. Slot machines have a similar appeal with their bright colours and loud sound effects. 

By the 1970s, the pinball machine was flourishing, with The Addams Family being a best-seller. The comparison between casinos and arcades can easily be made as many of the themed casino games have taken inspiration from the intricately decorated and themed pinball games. 

As the pinball machine died out in the 1990s, many of the companies turned to manufacturing slot machines instead, and it became the turn of the casinos to flourish. 

Casino Games That Pinball Games Have Inspired

There are many casino games out there that have taken inspiration from Pinball Machines. These standouts are definitely worth a try if you miss the lights and captivating sounds of the pinball machine.

High Roller Casino 

High Roller Casino really took the Las Vegas theme and ran with it. With colourful graphics of the Vegas skyline and a showgirl, it isn’t difficult to see how the pinball machine inspired a new generation of gaming. 

Aim just right in this game, and you’ll have the bonus of an extra slot spin, rolling of a dice or even an extra ball. All whilst listening to the charming “Luck be a lady tonight”. 

World Poker Tour 

The World Poker Tour is more of a game show than a singular game, but it has regularly been compared to the pinball machine in the way that chance, adrenaline and a light show are involved. 

The game show allowed viewers to get a bird’s eye view of the players, their bets and their cards. Funnily enough, this tournament inspired a pinball game that used the same graphics and captured the same allure that the game show did. You can even see the notorious hosts Vince Van Patten and Mike Sexton on the game. 

Conclusion 

From the bright lights and the fun sound effects to the reason behind it all, there’s no doubt that pinball games inspired the casino games many play nowadays. After a brief history lesson in the industry, you can see the timeline clearly and why the casino industry should be grateful for the American desire for cheap entertainment.