Podcast Summary: The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds

Episode: 688 - *Pinball - Live
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Hosts: Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
Producer: All Things Comedy

Introduction to Pinball History

In this episode, Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds delve into the intriguing and tumultuous history of pinball in the United States, focusing particularly on its evolution, cultural impact, and the dark underbelly of corruption and crime that once surrounded the game.

Early Development and Invention

The conversation begins with the inception of modern pinball. Dave Anthony introduces Montague Redgrave Grave, a British inventor who immigrated to Cincinnati in 1869 and began manufacturing Bagatelle tables—a precursor to pinball machines.

Dave Anthony (03:02): "This was the birth of modern pinball."

Gareth Reynolds humorously corrects the pronunciation, emphasizing the game's complex history.

Transition to Coin-Operated Machines

In the 1930s, Bagatelle evolved into more sophisticated coin-operated machines, also known as marble games or pin games. These machines featured innovations like spring launchers and metal pins, which laid the groundwork for the pinball machines we recognize today.

Gareth Reynolds (04:37): "It's like Plinko, where there's no skill involved."

Legal Challenges and Moral Panic

The electrification of pinball in 1933 coincided with rising concerns about its influence, particularly among children. Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia of New York City spearheaded efforts to ban pinball, associating it with juvenile delinquency and moral decay.

Dave Anthony (09:13): "Mayor LaGuardia of New York City thought pinball led to crime and juvenile delinquency."

Seattle became a focal point in the debate as pinball's popularity soared, leading to stringent regulations and licensing fees imposed by local authorities.

Corruption and the Rise of the Pinball Mob in Seattle

As pinball machines became lucrative, they attracted unlawful interests. The Shivers Automated Coin Company in Seattle capitalized on the booming market, selling used pinball machines at minimal prices. However, the industry's rapid growth led to rampant corruption, with connections between pinball operators and the local Teamster union.

Dave Anthony (27:31): "He is close with the local Teamster union leader."

The formation of the Amusement Association of Seattle (AAS) further entrenched this corruption, creating monopolistic control over pinball machines in bars and establishing price-fixing agreements.

Violent Retaliation and Bombings

Tensions within the pinball industry culminated in violent acts, including bombings of rival pinball and jukebox businesses. The night of October 11, 1957, marked a significant escalation when Century Distributing, a pinball and jukebox business, was bombed in Queen Anne.

Dave Anthony (32:21): "A month later, Frank was charged with threat of bodily harm."

These acts of violence were part of a broader strategy to eliminate competition and maintain AAS's dominance in the market.

Political Manipulation and Investigations

The scandal reached political heights as Mayor Gordon Clinton attempted to crack down on pinball-related corruption. However, his efforts were met with fierce resistance from entrenched interests, including powerful prosecutors like Charles Oliver Carroll, who were implicated in bribery and collusion with pinball magnates.

Dave Anthony (84:18): "Prosecutor Carroll was a political boss and had dirt on everyone, which he used to get what he wanted."

Despite attempts to dismantle the corrupt network, many cases fell apart due to compromised witnesses and systemic corruption within law enforcement agencies.

Decline of the Pinball Mob and Legacy

By the early 1970s, significant arrests and indictments began to dismantle the power of the pinball mob in Seattle. High-profile figures like Fred Galino and John Michael were convicted for their roles in corruption and protective rackets.

Dave Anthony (63:12): "They were making protection money."

However, the efforts to eradicate corruption were only partially successful, with many individuals evading long-term consequences. The legacy of this era left a lasting impact on Seattle's pinball scene, ultimately leading to more regulated and lawful operations in the years that followed.

Conclusion: Reflection on Capitalism and Corruption

In their closing remarks, Dave and Gareth reflect on the systemic issues that allowed such corruption to flourish. They critique the capitalist structures that enable money and power to perpetuate injustice, using the pinball mob as a historical example of these enduring problems.

Gareth Reynolds (93:58): "Everything as currently constructed continues to be completely ineffective and against societal."

The episode wraps up with a somber acknowledgment of how the pinball industry's history serves as a microcosm for broader societal and economic challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Dave Anthony (03:02): "This was the birth of modern pinball."
• Dave Anthony (09:13): "Mayor LaGuardia of New York City thought pinball led to crime and juvenile delinquency."
• Gareth Reynolds (04:37): "It's like Plinko, where there's no skill involved."
• Gareth Reynolds (93:58): "Everything as currently constructed continues to be completely ineffective and against societal."

Key Takeaways

• Evolution of Pinball: From Bagatelle tables to modern pinball machines, pinball has undergone significant technological and cultural transformations.

• Moral Panic and Legislation: Societal fears about pinball's influence led to stringent regulations and outright bans in various cities, notably spearheaded by influential figures like Mayor LaGuardia.

• Corruption and Crime: The lucrative nature of pinball operations attracted criminal elements, leading to monopolistic control, bribery, and violent retaliation within the industry.

• Political Entrenchment: Efforts to combat corruption were hampered by collusion between law enforcement officials and pinball magnates, highlighting systemic issues within political and legal institutions.

• Legacy and Reflection: The history of pinball serves as a lens to examine broader issues of capitalism, corruption, and the challenges of enforcing justice within flawed systems.

This episode provides a comprehensive look into the complex history of pinball, blending historical facts with the trademark humor and banter of Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds. It highlights how a seemingly simple amusement device became intertwined with significant social, political, and criminal narratives in mid-20th century America.