It’s hard to believe today, but for decades in the 20th century, pinball was illegal in many American cities. Seen as a tool of organized crime and a game of chance, it was banned, raided, and even smashed with sledgehammers by law enforcement.
At House of Pinball, we’re not just about helping you find the perfect pinball machine for sale—we’re also passionate about the fascinating history that brought the hobby back from the brink. And few stories are more surprising than the ban on pinball and the fight that followed to bring it back.
🚫 The Ban: Why Pinball Was Outlawed
📆 The Year: 1942
In the midst of World War II, New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia announced a citywide ban on pinball. He called it a “tool of the mafia” and claimed it robbed schoolchildren of lunch money.
🎯 The Accusation:
- Pinball was seen as a game of chance, not skill
- It was associated with gambling, illegal payouts, and backroom betting
- Critics said it corrupted youth and fueled organized crime
🔨 What Happened:
- Pinball machines were seized in police raids
- Thousands were destroyed with sledgehammers or dumped into the Hudson River
- Similar bans followed in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Milwaukee
For over 30 years, pinball was outlawed in major American cities. If you owned a machine, you were likely operating illegally.
🎮 The Truth: Was Pinball Really Gambling?
Here’s the twist: Early pinball machines didn’t have flippers. Players launched the ball and watched it bounce randomly. So yes—it was mostly luck.
But everything changed in 1947, when Gottlieb’s “Humpty Dumpty” introduced flippers to the game, turning pinball into a game of skill. This was a major turning point in the argument for legalization.
⚖️ The Fight Back: Pinball Goes to Court
The most famous moment came in 1976 when Roger Sharpe, a pinball player and writer for GQ, was brought into New York City court to prove—on record—that pinball required skill, not luck.
🧑⚖️ The Shot That Changed Everything:
In front of reporters and city council members, Sharpe called his shot and flipped the ball precisely where he said he would.
Verdict: Skill.
Result: The pinball ban in New York was overturned. Other cities quickly followed.
📈 The Comeback: From Crime to Culture
With the legal barriers gone, pinball surged back into popularity through the late ‘70s and into the golden age of the ‘80s and ‘90s, with titles like:
- The Addams Family
- Twilight Zone
- FunHouse
- Theatre of Magic
These machines are now highly collectible and often available in our pinball machine for sale listings. They’re not just games—they’re pieces of cultural rebellion.
🧠 Why This History Matters When Buying
Understanding pinball’s outlaw past gives you insight into its resilience, value, and cultural cachet. Here’s what it means for today’s buyers:
✅ Pinball is a Game of Skill
This makes it more than just a flashy toy. Whether you’re buying for home or business, it’s interactive, replayable entertainment.
✅ Legal and Respected
From bars to arcades to private collections, pinball now holds respected status. No more backrooms—just game rooms.
✅ Vintage Machines Have a Story
Many older machines, especially pre-1980, carry this rich history. Owning one is like owning a banned book—something once forbidden, now iconic.
🛒 Thinking of Buying a Machine?
When shopping for a pinball machine for sale, consider what era of this history you want to own:
| Era | What to Expect | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1947 | Purely luck-based, often collector-only pieces | Historical value |
| 1947–1976 | Early flipper machines, many with beautiful EM artwork | Nostalgic gameplay |
| Post-1976 | The golden age of pinball—deep rules, lights, sounds | Best mix of art + skill + tech |
| Modern Era | LCD screens, internet scoring, custom rulesets | Competitive play, modern features |
At House of Pinball, we help match you with machines that fit your skill level, space, and goals—whether it’s your first buy or your next grail find.
🏁 Final Thoughts: From Criminal to Classic
Pinball has gone from the shadows to the spotlight. What was once smashed in the streets is now restored, collected, and celebrated by players of all ages.
Whether you’re buying to relive the arcade days or introducing a new generation to a piece of rebellious history, every machine tells a story—and this one started in a courtroom.
🔎 Looking for Your Own Piece of Pinball History?
Explore our hand-picked collection of restored, working, and fully tested pinball machines for sale at House of Pinball.