My
thoughts on Pinball Machines and Slot Machines
Pinballingo!
Posted on July
2, 2014 · 3 Comments
I have created a game concept for a viable casino bingo pinball
machine and have included earnings analytics. Many pinball purists may not like
this proposal because it talks about fitting the game into a standard slant
slot cabinet, as a video machine. But for practicality, this would be the only
viable option to get the game made. If the concept proves to be successful,
then a mechanical pinball cabinet could be made later.
Also, many casinos try to cram as many games into their space as
possible and a larger pinball type cabinet wouldn’t be practical because they
could place two standard slot cabinets in the same space.
Because this game will attract a lot of slot crossover players
and newbies, the automatic features would be the default, but there is always
manual override for purist bingo players (especially when it comes to the final
magic screen positioning). For those of you who don’t know what a magic screen
is, it is a feature that allows for different bingos. There are a couple of
youtube videos that do a good job of describing bingo machines and the magic
screen feature.
Pinballingo by Jon Norris-
Pinballingo is a new genre of gaming devices. Many titles,
themes, and features can be used.
I’m not going to use the term “Bingo” machine because
unfortunately, this term is already used in gaming, to describe a class 2
gaming device. So to greatly differentiate the two types of devices, I am going
to call this genre of games “Pinballingo”.
I know that original Bally/United bingo machines were usually on
a Nickel, I am suggesting going to a quarter denomination. This must be done,
so that the game can justify being placed in a casino. Even at a 25 cent
denomination, the games will only earn 60% of what a standard video slot will
earn. (If the game were a 5 cent denomination, then this stat would drop down
to about 15%). At 60%, the earnings will be tolerable, and many casinos would
still operate these games because they would give their operation more variety
for their customers than their competitors.
Pinballingo uses a familiar top box that has the bingo card,
features, odds, etc. The game has a simulated pinball machine on the lower
screen:
The game would be very user friendly, giving players standard
slot type buttons for betting, playing, choosing, and cashing out.
The reflex unit must be replaced by standard pay-tables. This
must be done to allow the game to be made as a class 3 gaming device. This also
allows the operator to change the pay-table to suit their customers.
The play of the game has two phases. The betting phase allows
the player to place bets in order to advance features or advance credit awards.
This would be automatic, but the player can opt for a “Manual” mode where they
can control whether the bet is directed toward features or credits. The player
will place between 15 and 20 bets (average) per game. Each time they place a
bet, the features/credit awards scan and blink. This process takes only a
couple of seconds (for each bet).
When the player is happy with their betting, then they can shoot
their first ball. Shooting the first ball ends the betting phase, and those
buttons are disabled. As balls land in holes, the game will automatically see
any win and move the magic screen to those places to obtain those wins.
When it comes time to place the magic screen in it’s final
place, the game will do that for the player automatically, unless the player
overrides. The game does prompt the player at this time. Shooting the ball now
locks in the magic screen.
After the 5th ball ends, the “Extra Ball” bet button is activated and
the game prompts the player about their three choices: “Bet for Extra Ball”,
“Start New Game”, or “Cash Out”.
Pinballingo by Jon Norris.
3 responses
Dennis
Dodel
Hi Jon.
Nice to see you designing again. And as you may remember, bingos are my
passion!
I like this idea and coincidently I have been talking to Phil Hooper who you
may know.
He wants to someday build a bingo in a standard size cabinet with a real
playfield but have an LCD screen in the head which would have all of the most
popular Bally bingos programmed in. The front rail would have all of the
necessary feature controls. He says that he has it all imagined and that it is
possible to do but he does not have the time to do it. I think this would be
very popular among collectors but for all of the reasons you stated, including
space, probably not viable for commercial use.
I really like this idea and would certainly buy one.
Your idea makes more sense for commercial use. As I recall, Premier had
considered building a bingo at one time. Would you care to comment on that?
If you like, you can post this on the RGP. I always have trouble posting there.
Good luck and I look forward to reading your future endeavors. I will never
forget the night we played Diamond Lady until dawn at Steve Kirk’s apartment.
And thanks for all of your contributions to The Pinball Trader. The mag would
have been sorely lacking if not for the ‘Chicago Connection’. Dennis Dodel
Steve
Smith
Hi Jon,
Cool idea and an interesting concept! I hope it floats! – There will be many
things to do and overcome. One of them may be that most bingo pinball players
enjoy and take advantage of the skill factor part of playing (successful
nudging- and/or the lack it). It’s my guess this facet of game play would need
to dumbed down (or likely removed entirely) to ensure everyone has the same
chances of winning (like we’re told slots are) and to keep the gaming
commission fat & happy. I think I heard somewhere this is part of why bingo
were outlawed – along with the government believing they were not able to take
“their fair cut”. Being a bingo purist myself I’d give this game a go … quite
often in fact “if” I’d be able to apply my learned playing skills. Good luck
with it & All the Best, Steve Smith – Richmond VA
dreamlandscapes@yahoo.com
Actually, Class 3 gaming
devices are allowed a skill component. (Notice the Joystick on the game), this
would be used for nudging, for a little skill in the game (like real bingo
machines). If you look at IGT’s “Reel Edge” series of slots, they include
bonuses that have a skill element, but this would only be about 10% of the
total bonus win, so 90% is still determined my a random number generator. So a
skilled player will still win more than a novice. I would help the novice by
letting them use an “Auto” plunger, and the game would analyze whether the ball
should be coming down the left, middle, or right side and place the ball there.
I do think that this is a
valid concept, but the difficult part is to get a gaming manufacturer to make
the game. Unlike amusement games, there are high costs related with regulatory
approval of each game title, that can run six figures for a single title.
One thing on my side is
the already large library of great bingos that can be cloned with only a new
theme needed.
