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Can You Believe Pinball Was Once Illegal in Michigan? – Screamin’ Scott

Screamin' Scott September 27th, 2022
Screamin Scott Pinball

Believe it or not, at one time, playing a pinball machine was illegal! Lot of states, including Michigan, in the 1940s banned playing pinball, saying it was a form of gambling.

Some local establishments did give away prizes as in gum candy cigarettes and sometimes even dishware. But it wasn’t until the ’70s that it was challenged in court and was proven to be a game of skill. But, Michigan didn’t care and didn’t lift the ban until 1972. I am glad to tell you from my own personal experience that I’ve never been arrested for playing pinball, but have been accused a lot.

Pinball is definitely turn the corner and has become popular again as arcades have increased around the United States, including here in Michigan. A couple to check out are Marvelous Marvins in Ann Arbor and a little closer, the Free Play Pinball Arcade in Frasier.

That Time America Outlawed Pinball

On March 6, 1948, a New York City patrolman in plain clothes entered a cigar store on 106th Street in East Harlem and dropped a penny into a machine called "The Marvel Pop Up." He pulled back the game's plunger and launched a small steel ball into play.

10 Things You Might Not Know About Screamin' Scott

How well do you know me? Check out the facts below and get to know your favorite nighttime personality better!

  • I'm Left-Handed - Always have been. Left is right!

    Baring Hands

    (Photo by Sasha/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

  • I wear a Size 12 Wide Shoe - Yes, I have small skateboards for feet.

    Converse

    (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

  • I'm 6 feet tall! - But I think I'm shrinking.

    Measuring Rulers

  • I was born with extra sets of teeth - As a child, they took an X-ray to find I had an extra set of teeth! I've had some surgery over the years, but they have come in handy after playing hockey as a kid!

    Dentists Offering NHS Treatment Continue To Dwindle

    (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

  • I do not sing in the shower well - I've tried, and the echo doesn't help make me any better.

    Wind And Rain Hit The UK

    (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

  • I was married on my birthday by Arthur Penhallow - I also got married on my birthday so I would never forget the anniversary. And Arthur did a fantastic job!

    ring

    (Photo by Jonathan Brady – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

  • I have an extensive collection of rubber ducks - Yep.

    Duck

    (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

  • I have no tattoos - Yet!

    tattoo

    (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

  • I once held the national record for Girl Scout Cookie eating - This comes from my time in radio in Indiana. They had an eating contest in a town outside of Ft. Wayne, and I ate 32 cookies in one minute!

    Girl Scouts Sell Cookies

    (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

  • I have an award-winning chili recipe! - The award came at a contest at work. One year, thought I would enter the company cook off. Some say it's the best they ever tasted. It's fun to make and the secret ingredient makes it the best!

    Chili Feast

    (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Born in Mt Clemens, Screamin has been a part of the Detroit airwaves for over 29 years with 26 at WRIF and 3 years as a morning show host at Z-Rock. When he’s not out on the streets, you can find him in his game room, where he collects jukeboxes and classic pinball machines. Screamin also devotes time doing local charities with his, "Screamin Angels"; and for 15 years with Rock 4 Tots charity. “CHIT” is his local cover band for 10 years all over the Motor City in local bars and has graced the main stage at local festivals like Arts, Beats & Eats warming up for national acts like Cheap Trick, Guess Who & even Salt & Peppa. Screamin’ is the lead singer and also plays cowbell & lead triangle