HISTORY OF
BALLY SOT MACHINES

In 1963 Bally converted the console to a casino slot, refined the hopper payout, and created a front opening case. That was the formula for success.

In 1968, Bally introduced the Model 831, the first three line payout slot machine. The multi-coin, multi-line slot machine is still the standard today, 30 years later.

Needless to say, with these innovations, Bally took over the slot business and drove the giants, Mills and Jennings, virtually out of the business.

In 1969, Bally introduced the Model 847 Continental, a four reel, six coin multiplier with a right-to-left payout sequence, as well as the more traditional left-to-right payout.

In 1970, Bally introduced the Model 889, a three line progreesssive, with each coin played adding to the jackpot's value. As you can see, each of of the Bally innovations revolutionized the way slots are played.

Another interesting new concept in slot play, was the Bally Model 935 Reel Dice that was introduced in 1972. The goal of the reel dice was to have the two reels with dice symbols equal the "proposition" that showed up in a window on the left side, next to the two reels. Unfortunately, this slot concept never became very popular.

Fortunately for collectors, all these revolutionary machines are over 25 years old and can be purchased for home use in most states. In addition, collectors are also lucky because there are several detailed repair manuals and trouble shooting guides available for all 1986 slots to keep your slot in tip-top condition.

Marshall Fey, one of the publishers of Bally Service Manuals, states that " Bally Electro-Mechanicals are well constructed and, consequently, very dependable requiring a minimum amount of servicing. The mechanical components need little attention except for occasional lubrication. If there is an operational problem, it is generally attributed to electrical parts. Once located, most malfunctions are generally easy to remedy, because what appears to be a maze of wiring is actually a combination of simple circuits."

Now-a-days, it's not unusual for slot collectors to include Bally's 1960s slots along with their 1930s slot collection. Those who play slots in today's casinos often prefer the Bally 1960s slots because of their similarity to the casino slots.

Copyright: 1998 Ken Durham.

.

.

For more information on: Who We Are & Our Privacy Policy

Ken Durham
GameRoomAntiques
please email: durham@GameRoomAntiques.com