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Slot Manufacturer Profile: Bally Gaming    (Part 4)

Well, almost. The slot machine company attempted to obtain a casino license in Atlantic City, New Jersey, at the end of the 70s. The Atlantic City casino infrastructure is one fraught with political manipulation, and the folks at Bally just couldn’t keep up. Coinciding with this frustration was the resignation of Bally’s then-president, William O’Donnell, amidst speculation that he might be involved with the Mob. Bally wanted to expand, however, so it bought into two other industries: theme parks (Six Flags) and fitness (what would become the Bally chain) and found success there.

Of course, Bally’s most profitable legacy will always be its slot games. Bally’s catalogue of both land-based and online slot machines is one of the most vast and diverse in the industry, and truly offers something for everyone. Some of Bally’s most beloved pokies are those based on skits from the enduring hit sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. Such well-known SNL characters as the Coneheads, the Blues Brothers, the Church Lady, and Wayne and Garth of Wayne’s World have all debuted their own Bally fruit machines. Snippets of the shows in question run on the machines as you play, adding an additional dimension to your entertainment. Bally’s Playboy slot runs in a similar fashion. The magazine and brand’s well-known magnate, Hugh Hefner, signed a deal with Bally and released the pictures of Playboy Playmates that display as you play the device.

The Bally story is one filled with ups and downs. It is truly an American fairy tale. You may not be thinking about the company’s long history as you play one of their famous slot machines, but it is the epoch that led to the fun you are having today!

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