The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds 688 - Pinball - live
Jun 17, 2025
Dive into the whimsical world of pinball with quirky tales from Seattle's arcade scene. From its origins as a simple bagatelle to the chaotic underbelly rife with corruption and criminal antics, the hosts serve up hilarious anecdotes and insightful commentary. Explore the absurdities of pinball politics, bizarre bombing incidents tied to machines, and the tension between operators and organized crime. The journey is both nostalgic and comedic, showcasing how this beloved game shaped culture while dealing with the dark side of its history.
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Origin of Modern Pinball
- British inventor Montague Redgrave adapted the 19th-century game Bagatelle into the first modern pinball machine.
- The early 1931 Baffle Ball was coin-operated but had no flippers, relying solely on chance.
Pinball: Chance Over Skill Initially
- Early pinball was purely a game of chance, with no skill involved before the introduction of flippers.
- People were initially fascinated by simple features that later felt underwhelming compared to modern machines.
Pinball Causes Moral Panic
- Pinball was blamed for juvenile delinquency, stealing, and skipping school during the Depression.
- This led to bans in many cities, fueled by moral panic despite pinball's popularity.