Pinball is an example of a durable higher denomination game that continues to retain its popularity despite a proliferation of more modern and high tech slots on the casino floor.
The game itself is pretty straightforward, in part because it leverages the ultra-simple Double Diamond as its basic format. The symbols and basic pay options remain the same, so there’s not a lot to learn.
However, that last credit wagered (in the example here for a three-credit version of Pinball) is where things change up on this game. The pay table payouts for the third credit for base line hits don’t change, with the exception of the top payout of three Double Diamond symbols, which increases proportionally.
Instead, the bulk of the third credit value goes to the bonus, which instead of three Pinball shots (which would be expected given what you get for credits 1 and 2), increases to 5 Pinball shots. So really that third credit is being invested largely in the bonus, and secondarily into that top payout.
The bonus itself is quite simple. You get the number of pinball shot based on your credit count. Then, you shoot each ball into the board and either get it into one of the pockets, or falls into the bottom section below. The top prize is getting all five balls into that bottom section; as a result, you can’t play for the top bonus prize without betting max credits.
Of course, it’s rare to get balls into that bottom section at all, as the bulk of the pinball shots will fall into the pockets above it. But it’s an important aspect of the bonus to be aware.
For players who find games without a feature or bonus less exciting, this may be a perfectly reasonable trade-off. This is effectively like a more/better bonus bet for that third credit. For those who are less enthusiastic about the bonus, it may be worth playing a standard Double Diamond machine instead.
But clearly many players enjoy the game, as IGT keeps it available on more modern machines despite the game’s lengthy run on the casino floor. And it can be quite the fun bonus, especially in high limit denominations!
Watch and Learn
Brian Christopher got a high limit handpay on Pinball (segment starts at 6:28):
Slotlady played Pinball in high limit in this video, starting at 7:02:
Hi Josh, fellow Rudie here, me & my daughter met you once at Mohegan in Ct. when BC was there. first off love your articles, but I got a question for you to dig into. With the rise in popularity with two seat slot machines, why haven’t the manufacturers. working with the casinos figured out a way to put two slots in the machine so each persons players card could be inserted. When I’m playing with someone on one we each pool our money and go for the win. I always make the person I’m with put their card in so they can build up their status. If it can’t be done do you think the casinos could / would come out with a partner card. Anything to help both reap the rewards and hopefully split the taxes when the hand pay comes. My daughter and I and sometimes my son or buddy do this on single seat machines also – pool the money and go for the big one. Thanks again and keep articles coming. Jay from Worcester
Hey Jay! Unfortunately I haven’t seen anything where multiple players cards can be inserted and share in the benefits. Some casinos have companion cards, and let you pool your resources (or just link so the bigger player’s perks can be shared with both people) and scenarios like that. Some couples will play on a single card to pool their resources, although some casinos don’t like that idea either, and of course all the benefits reside with one person. It’s an interesting question though! I’ll be chatting with a couple of people who work at the players card companies and will ask for their take when I do!
Thanks Josh, I appreciate it