Pinball, with its flashing lights, metallic sounds, and the skill required to keep the ball in play, is much more than just a pastime. It’s a true cultural icon—a symbol of an era that managed to adapt and survive through technological revolutions and generational changes. Born as a mechanical game, it has gone through phases of great success, decline, and finally, rebirth—thanks in part to the digital world.
From French origins to the first modern pinball machine
The origins of pinball date back to 18th-century France with the game “Bagatelle,” a precursor to modern pinball. It featured a slanted table with holes and obstacles, and players would shoot metal balls across the board. Over the years, the concept evolved and became a barroom favorite in the U.S. during the 1930s. One of the first major commercial successes was 1931’s “Baffle Ball” by Gottlieb, where players launched the ball with a single lever and had no control afterward.
The revolutionary leap came in 1947 when Gottlieb released “Humpty Dumpty,” the first pinball machine to feature player-controlled flippers. This changed everything, turning the game from one of chance into a true test of skill and reflexes. From that point on, pinball began to take the form we know today.
The golden age: pinball conquers the world
In the 1950s and 1960s, pinball experienced its golden era. Game halls and bars were filled with these colorful electromechanical machines that blended art, sound, and motion. Each unit was decorated with vibrant artwork, often inspired by cinema, westerns, or sci-fi themes.
In the U.S., manufacturers like Bally, Williams, and Gottlieb dominated the market. In Italy, the standout name was Zaccaria, founded in Bologna in 1958, which also made a name for itself abroad with elegant and innovative models. Pinball became a symbol of youthful freedom, sometimes even frowned upon by authorities for its supposed association with gambling.
The fall: Video games take over
The digital revolution and the rise of video arcade games in the 1980s started to overshadow pinball. Games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and eventually home consoles captivated younger audiences. Despite its charm, pinball began to feel outdated.
Many producers shut down or shifted focus. Zaccaria ended its pinball production in 1990. Other historical brands like Gottlieb and Williams also scaled back or left the industry. Pinball simply couldn’t keep up with the depth, narrative, and lower cost of video games. It seemed the iconic machines were destined to fade away.
A new life: between vintage revival and digital rebirth
Yet, as often happens with cultural icons, pinball never truly died. In fact, over the last two decades, it has made an impressive comeback. Thanks to the growing popularity of retro and vintage gaming, old pinball machines have been rediscovered, restored, and celebrated by fans.
Digital simulators for PC and consoles—like “Pinball FX” and “The Pinball Arcade”—have also helped bring pinball to a wider audience. Some manufacturers even resumed production, updating machines with modern displays, sensors, and online connectivity.
Moreover, pinball has left its mark on the world of online gaming. Many modern slot machines are clearly inspired by pinball—emulating its visual chaos, bounces, and thrilling multiplier effects. On platforms like NetBet Casino, you’ll find pinball-inspired slots that recreate the fast pace and nostalgic feeling of the arcade, while adding the thrill of gambling.
Pinball today: a historical gem still full of surprises
Today, pinball has become a collector’s dream and a niche passion. International tournaments, fairs, and museums (like the Pacific Pinball Museum in California) highlight its renewed popularity. Fans of all ages restore vintage machines, compete, or simply enjoy the feel of pressing real buttons and hearing the satisfying “clack” of the flippers.
In a world dominated by touchscreens, pinball stands out as a tactile, mechanical experience. Each game is unique. Each machine has a personality. And that’s the secret to its longevity—it manages to be nostalgic and modern at the same time, familiar yet unpredictable.
