Loose Change Magazine (Page 5)

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December 1984

Haskills’ Tree: Happy Holidays All Year The Haskills decided to keep their Christmas tree up a little longer than usual—ONE FULL YEAR. It’s All in the Name All about slot machines named after insects, animals, heroes and deities. The How's And Where's Of Finding Jukeboxes More insight from an insider who aids and abets the purchase of a collectible jukebox. The Ten Commandments of Collecting A lighthearted list of shalts and shalt nots for anyone afflicted with Terminal Collecting Syndrome. Slot Machines on Trial One California Court of Appeals has found that the definition of "antique" in state statutes is "unconstitutionally vague." Tribute to Susan Lawson An affectionate salute to a collector who passed away this summer. The Jim Wells Auction Fairfax, Virginia, October 6-8, 1984. This auction for antique memorabilia has become one of the largest in the state’s history. Tribute to Rome Andreotti Notes on the passing of the veteran Harrah’s gaming executive. 1951—And That’s The Way It Was The Johnson Act became law in the early spring of 1951.

November 1984

Pre-Polk? Polk? Post-Polk? Pseudo-Polk?! A pictorial of Frank Polk’s masterpieces, including his famous BANDITS. Today’s Best Jukebox Bet Ray Eklund gives us the inside scoop on the Seeburg "Barrel," models from 1946-1948 that may prove to be the best collectible investment. Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way An attorney advises collectors to protect your antique while they’re alive, so nothing is left to chance after death. Flipper Flapper, Thumper Bumper: How’s Your Pins? A quick look at pinball machines as a collectible. 1939—And That’s The Way It Was Federal agents try to rock Tony Cornero’s gaming boat off the coast of California.

October 1984

Sixth Annual Loose Change Fun Fair Coin-op collectors walk through an antique wonderland in mid-September at the Loose Change Fun Fair in Pasadena, California. The Jukebox Connection Ray Eklund takes an informed and insightful look at the links between hobbies and hobbyists who collect similar machines. Midway Gaffs: Those Cheatin’ Ways Guess what? Gaffs on the carnival and amusement fair midway have become something of an institution. June Eppler muckrakes down the midway and exposes those sucker games we’ve all played so often. The Way It Was - 1906 This was the year the slot machine industry received a sound shaking!

September 1984

The Watling Jace-Pot: Model 55 Two veteran collectors have the nerve to say the Watling JACK POT was not really the first jackpot slot machine; they said it was a bit of "Watling hype." Gamblers’ Gimmicks A light look at the world of casino PR aimed at gamers. From chili cook-offs to gambling parties conducted in the swimming pool, no gimmick has been left untried. The Late, Great Johnny Winn A sincere tribute to late inventor and slot machine pioneer John Winn. Legal States Update Our annual listing of the states’ laws pertaining to slot machines. 1880: And That’s The Way It Was In September 1880, the silver-edged town of Tombstone, Arizona, was 3,500 strong and vitally impressed with itself. Excerpts from the Epitaph regale us with lavish depictions of three cultural centers of a booming town: The Grand Hotel, the Alhambra and the Tombstone Club.

August 1984

Vanishing Breed: Noble Carousel Steed A new wave of interest in carousel figures is washing over collectors everywhere. A look at one collection of 25 figures and the work it takes to maintain them. 1984 Fun Fair Fanfare! Gearing up for the Sixth Annual Loose Change Fun Fair means welcoming the new visitors, loyalists and exhibitors. Here’s how to have the best possible time at the world’s largest event of this kind. 1912: And That’s The Way It Was A short footnote from the history books. Taken with a little tongue in cheek, this latest in a series of articles about our gaming past is sure to amuse and enlighten.

July 1984

Ten Years in the Collectors’ Circle Long-time collectors Jerry Sutter and his wife, Helene, share a love of fine antique coin machines. Among their favorites are some of the rarest of the rare. From First Show to Fun Fair: The 50th anniversary of a 1934 Pacific Coast Coin Machine Show is the perfect opportunity to review and to relive the experience. All the big names were there, and wow, did they have a party?! Where Have All the Arcades Gone? To many people, the penny arcades of the olden days represent a fond memory. But just try to find an arcade like that in this day and age! One woman tried. This is her story. 1828: And That’s The Way It Was: Another of our brief looks backward, this one to the Mississippi River and the lives of the riverboat gamblers (circa 1828).

June 1984

Leave It to a Falletich to Give You the Business! Greg and Judy Falletich went into the business of buying and selling and repairing all manner of gaming devices. And they have made a go of it when others could not. This article tells you all about this amazing couple. Jukeboxes: Will Legislation Force ‘em Under? Jukeboxes are in the middle of legalistic wrangling that threatens their very existence. An examination of current difficulties and a warning about the future of these historic American music machines. Arrington’s Auction April 14-15, 1984, Las Vegas. Two collectors with special expertise in the auction-going arena take time out from busy schedules to tell us who and what was at Roy Arrington’s latest auction. And They Called It The Birth of the Bell A warmly affectionate look back at Charlie Fey, his paths to the invention of the bell slot machine as we know it and what it might have been like to apply for a patent in his day.

May 1984

Stimulation, But Not for Trade! An introduction to Jim Suber and his exceptional collection of "little slots," the trade stimulators of long ago. Those Thoroughly Modern Minis Sure, you’ve heard of countertop machines; but the new wave of mini gaming machines currently enjoying popularity, that’s something else again. We take a much closer look. You Are My Good Luck Charm You just can’t ever tell what that person next to you in the casino might be using as a good luck charm, but you can bet it’s unusual. An amusing romp through a field of charmed finds. 1888: And That’s The Way It Was: Was it really good back in the good ol’ days? Was the West really tamed? Were the games ones of life and death? The debut of a new series of articles for the historians and humanists and memory-keepers.

April 1984

Well, Sir, The Way I See It Mark Shetler blazed a trail to California in 1934 to find work and discovered collectible slot machines as well. The collection of an enterprising man gets the spotlight. Here’s Johnny: Still Winning After All These Years John Winn is a classic in every way. Born the son of an inventor, he carried on the tradition. His story reaches back into the dawn of the evolution of slot machines and includes several tours of duty aboard the notorious gambling ships off the California coast. The Mysterious Madame Moustache The townspeople thought it was to be a casino. Then they thought . . . well, you’d better read it for yourself. Here is one of the most fascinating tall tales ever to come out of the Old West.

March 1984

What’s This? Video Games or Gambling? A new surge of interest in video games is being felt as the result of such products as video poker, blackjack and even video lottery. We take a survey of the current state of gambling video games. Give the Old Crank a Hand There was this old hand-crank Caille, see? Confiscated twice and beat up at least once, the nickel-grinder wound up being restored by the owner’s son-in-law—even though he had no idea what kind of slot machine it really was! Mike Lacey’s Nightclub Nouveau From you moment you walk into this Chicago hot spot, you expect to see somebody like George Raft. But he never appears. Instead, you are a part of the new-order nightclub, surrounded by treasures from the past. That Trunk is Junk: Take it Away! Two teenagers had a lucrative business going by cleaning out attics. Then the totally unexpected fantasy became reality when a worthless old trunk yielded up its vast treasures. You Been Kissin’ a Blarney Stone? This is one hobby in which tall tales are not only expected; they are indulged in with relish.

February 1984

Barefoot Boys’ Guide to Las Vegas There’s a knack to just getting by in life, but why settle for getting by when you can be getting it on especially in the city of Las Vegas. Here’s one to take along with you. Hearts and Flowers and Cupids and Venus June Eppler has a heart this month. She gives us all a slot machine valentine by taking us down Love’s Memory Lane. Slaying Slots With Style A complete and detailed examination of the best ways to approach play on the devilish one-armed bandits. Buying That First Jukebox A collector intelligently shares his ideas about the musical coin-op that so readily represents true Americana to so many people. Want a juke? Read on. The Star Candy Machine Find There was this old garage . . . and this gumball machine collector; and when the two got together, it made for a discovery of the early thirties kind.

January 1984

The Collector is a Cop! A revealing portrait of a most uncommon man; one who wears the cap of a collector and the badge of a cop. He has quite a session of show-and-tell to share. From Caves to Casinos It is said that the first gamblers were cavemen throwing bones against the wall. This article chronicles the ways of gambling from earliest times to now. The Chicagoland Show A visitor at the Chicagoland show and sale wrote us all about it and even sent in some fine photos of the event. A special report. I Hereby Semi-Firmly Resolve Broken promises, broken promises, broken promises. Oh well, what can you expect from June Eppler? Probability: Science of Chance Unlike gambling itself, probability is defined as an exact science of all mathematics. Read all about it.

December 1983

Playing Poker for a Penny It was the rage at the turn of the century wherever this humpbacked little beauty, the Canda PERFECTION CARD model machine, was found. A Look Inside the Dealer’s Hand A pictorial guide to the inner workings of the Canda PERFECTION allows modern collectors a fascinating view of one of the earliest five-reel slot machines in the United States. Drinking Slot Machine Fruits Ever had a "Frosty Orange Fuzzy?" How about a "Hot Slot Shot?" A lighter look at some recipes for slot machine fans who party hearty. Electronic Protection for Your Slot Machines A professional tells how to protect your collection and how best to keep it out of the hands of criminals who want it. Forbidden Fruit in France French legislation may severely curtail if not eliminate slot machine play in France if something isn’t done. The Amazing DOMINO Discovery Up until recently, only four DOMINO machines were known to exist; then five more turned up! Is this the start of something big? Jukebox Genesis A jukebox enthusiast with years of experience takes the time to talk jukes and to give some interesting historical facts about these popular music makers.

November 1983

The Fifth Annual Loose Change Fun Fair A good time revisited in words and pictures this event is the granddaddy of antique shows and sales. This one featured the famous cowboy artist, Frank Polk. Ramblings on a Second Slot Machine Hobby One man’s story of how he got started reproducing reel strips. Outlines some headaches as well as rewards that go along with such a venture. Ain’t We Been Down This Road Before? Who collects what and why? A comical look at the diverse and colorful members of a rat-pack or pack-rat hobby.

October 1983

Light Up Your Life—Beautifully! A jukebox enthusiast details the techniques for turning antique wall boxes into beautifully decorative lamps. Contains plans, diagrams, bill of material and step-by-step instructions. Legal States for Slot Machines Annual listing of the status of collectible slot machines in the U.S. Abilene: Gateway to the West? Yes, according to this author, who spotlights Kansas city with a past more colorful than its present. More Fun Gambling by a Dam Site Recognized as the only Nevada town to outlaw gambling, Boulder City is included in this armchair tour of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave.

September 1983

The Gold Strike Inn & Casino: A Golden Discovery An extensive exploration of a golden find, nestled amid the desert dunes near Boulder City, Nevada. This is one man’s story about operating a mini-city focusing on gambling pleasures. Doin’ the Fun Fair and Doin’ it Right! A healthy compendium of tips for successful participation in the annual Big Do of the hobby. Whether you’re a visitor, exhibitor, buyer or seller, having some background may help you have an even better time!

August 1983

From Storm Drain to Personal Casino One collector’s dream journey is examined against the backdrop of his extensive collection of antique gambling machines and related paraphernalia. The SILVER CUPA thorough and precise reporting on a very special machine. There is so much more here than meets the eye. Those Lovely Ladies of St. Anselmo’s Secreted away in the wild back country that was once Gold Nation, the statuesque ladies made a distinct impression on one very surprised roving reporter. Who are these ladies and how much do they know?

July 1983

A Man for All Slots: Another Collector Comes Clean This comprehensive study of one collector reveals his childhood roots and the reasons he grew into a "small-slot machine" enthusiast. Includes a delightful expose of the "craziest characters I’ve ever met in slot machine collecting." Arrington Auction Report Stan and Betty Wilker provide complete coverage of the auction held at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas on April 30, 1983. Antique Auction Annie Shows Her Stuff There are certain definite "do-and-don’t" rules to surviving an antiques auction. Unfortunately, a trip to an auction with Annie serves to point out problem areas all too well.

June 1983

The Making of an Unusual Slot Collector The personal story of a man who loves to collect antique coin-operated machines. What makes him so unusual is his membership in a motorcycle club known as "Hells Angels." A House that’s Not a Home The tall tales one hears about old gambling towns are absolutely pale beside the real thing as one journalist has found out, much to her surprise and chagrin. The State of Pokies Down Under It’s time for those Aussie slot machines to take center stage in this revealing update on what’s up Down Under—pokie-wise, that is. Plus . . . Loose Change Arcade and Legal Register.

May 1983

Computer Charts for Slot Machine Payouts An original, innovative feature puts the modern computer to work for collectors of antique slot machines as a compilation of payout statistics for 35 traditional reel strip combinations is offered. Figuring the Reels Step-by-step instructions allow the reader to accurately figure the payouts from the slot machines they own. The math has been done; all that’s left is the fun. Unforgettable—That’s What You Are Some gambling towns play host to a huge number of extremely unique individuals. Recognize any of these?

April 1983

Hitting the Jackpot An exhaustive treatment of the elusive "pot"—a slot machine concept that was a little slow arriving, but was immediately and overwhelmingly popular. A pictorial essay complete with full-page photos of machines and jackpot assemblies. There is a Tavern in the Town What about those ads for cheapie jaunts to Las Vegas? This humorous look at what you may or may not get with your tour ticket touches all who have ever tried to take the town by storm on a shoestring.

March 1983

Cast-Iron Coin Grinders Enhanced by 12 full-page photos of cast-iron slot machines, this examination of the metal-bodied countertop machines traces from beginning to end the development of an era. Yes, I’m a Gambler, So What? If you ever had to defend your gaming desires and rationalize the reasons why you love to gamble, you’re gonna love this lady’s attitude. Old-Time Arcade Wisdom A wise and warmly nostalgic look at what it took and what it takes to maintain a penny (and otherwise) arcade. Traveling Arcades From feast to famine, traveling arcades experienced the highs and lows of popularity in America until the end of WWII. A special report on the "missionary" of latter-day arcades.

January/February 1983

Lady Luck Goes to Sea The year was 1928, and the ships anchored off the coast of Southern California were gambling casinos afloat. An unexcelled profile, including many old photographs, of the colorful era of gambling ships brought to a staggering halt by law enforcement officers in 1946. The Evolution of the Jukebox A collector and authority on jukemania takes readers back to the late 1800s in order to present a thoroughly captivating history of the jukebox phenomenon. A Horse Tale When the horses arrived at this collector’s home, they were sick and in poor condition. They were also in a box. A tale of another color. East Coast Auction Atlantic City, December 12, 1982. Poor advertising and heavy, last-minute snowfall made this auction a giveaway for the buyers who did attend.

December 1982

Beat The Dealer Bally’s HIGH HAND is the next best thing to a live poker game. Its features include hold and draw options on promising hands. Little John’s Auction Anaheim, California, November 21-22, 1982. The largest auction of antique gambling memorabilia ever produced had soft prices. Antique Gambler Auction Las Vegas, November 6-7, 1982. Extensive advertising brought a large crowd of spectators and buyers to this fourth annual event. Confessions of an Arcade Addict Childhood memories of old-fashioned carnivals helped start this man’s collection many years ago.

November 1982

Manufacturing Slot Machines From mechanical to electronic, the manufacture of slot machines has run the technological gamut during a century of evolution. Bally Manufacturing Company is featured. Slot Machines of the Future The possibilities for slot machines in the future are not only intriguing, they may well be limitless in form. Those Video Slot Machines Those computer-controlled video slot machines are really becoming popular. Who makes ‘em and what makes ‘em tick? I’m Looking for a Ferris Wheel A serious collector shows that he likes all the things that go with slot machines better than the slot machines themselves.

October 1982

1982 Loose Change Fun Fair For those who could attend, this pictorial trip through a collector’s dream show will stir grand memories. For the less fortunate, this may be the way to whet an appetite. The Machine that Lost Its Name A machine with a Mills Gum Vender top and Fey reel strips? With patched holes on the left side for side vending? What kind of a deal is this dang thing, anyway? Tally Alley "Yours for the price of an ad." One collector of antique coin machines couldn’t wait to check out this unusual offer with fascinating results.

September 1982

Those Collectible Casino Machines An unusual viewpoint espouses buying a casino slot machine just for the fun of it to play, not to pay. My Uncle the Slot Bandit Any lesson is costly, but learning how to rig jackpot pays on a two-cherry show can cost a guy plenty. The Inscrutable Pachinko From Japanese game parlors to American homes, thousands of these vertical pinball machines have made a cultural and geographical transition. Abner and the Nickel Jackpot What a surprise party this peanut vender turned out to be—especially for co-workers of a particularly miserly individual. Legal States for Slot Machines The annual Fun Fair update on who’s gone legal and who hasn’t and where there is work to be done.

August 1982

The Pandora’s Box that Pays Off An in-depth exploration of the restoration techniques one man has used to successfully renovate the horserace slot machine, BAKER’S PACERS. The Changing Slot Machine Market The fact is, anything is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. This view of a "soft" slot machine market explains why. The Dying Jukebox At one time there were 700,000 jukeboxes in the United States; but that number has dwindled to a mere 120,000 and is falling still. Is there no future for jukes? BAKER’S PACERS Service Manual This reproduction of the most important sections of Form 201 includes 11 pages of original illustrations as well as a complete service text.

July 1982

Punchboard Primer A fascinating introduction to an extinct species: the pressboard jackpot games of chance. Call Dank The Sherlock of Slots In this fictional account of intrigue, Frank "Dank" Murtough takes on the mysterious death of a casino jackpot winner. Counterfeiting Let this article be a warning: Cash deals may not be as safe as they seem. The REX A rare slot machine, the REX is nonetheless not a collector’s dream but more an exercise in reckless design and manufacture.

June 1982

Squires and Corrie The woman had just purchased a Mills "Hi-Top" for her son’s birthday present at the bargain price of $2,750. A Once-in-a-lifetime deal? No, it’s an everyday occurrence at this unique store. Sweden Talks About Slots Yes, Europe does have slot machines; and many of them are the ones American collectors cherish. The Missing Part If the Mills Q.T. article of March 1982 seems unclear to you, better read this corrected update.

May 1982

Collectors’ Shoebox "Design this baby bell not to be seen," Mills said. "What we are talking about is a shoebox of a design." Today these shoeboxes, finally made by Sega, are very collectible. The One-Arm Bandit Called names like this by losers, slot machines have been taking the boot long enough, says this collector’s daughter. Pinball Science Fiction The fantasy of pinball science-fiction has been around since the beginning of the pinball daze. The Gilgoff Report Our investment counselor Joel Gilgoff writes his final column (coin-operated collectibles) until the economy turns around.

April 1982

The Scale King? There is a man in Los Angeles who has so many scales he doesn’t really know how many he has. Maybe about 800, he thinks. Meet the "Scale King." The Brass Register Where the heck is Richardson, Texas? Well, that’s the town outside Dallas where there’s a successful retail store selling all kinds of coin-op goodies for people like you. Recognition Well Deserved An organization has erected a plaque in San Francisco to the memory of Charlie Fey, the inventor of the automatic payout, reel-type slot machine. The Gilgoff Report Our investment counselor discusses the ideal jukebox: the Wurlitzer M-1050. It looks classic, but it also plays modern 45-RPM records.

March 1982

Is Tiny Qute? How many models of the Mills Q.T. mini-bell slot machines can you count? This article names and describes 13! Collecting Junk: Then and Now A former junk collector tells how he quit mashing up junk and began collecting antiques. Today he and his wife have a beautiful collection with pieces he says are still junk. Harrah’s Pony Express Auction This four-day auction, which began on January 28, was probably the auction of the decade for collectors of early Americana, Indian lore and Western memorabilia. The Gilgoff Report If lower cost coin-ops are your bag, the Penny-Nickel MASTER vender is this month’s purchasing advice from our investment counselor.

February 1982

Jack in the Slots This East Texas businessman started collecting slot machines by accident, but his collection is the finest in the entire Southwest. Funny thing, though, none of his slot machines have three reels! The Wurlitzer Harp Angels play harps; we all know that, even though none of us have actually seen one. But did you know that there was once a harp that played by itself? Legal Ice Upon Which Collector Walketh Just when all Californians have settled down to collecting antique slot machines without worry of police action, this collector-attorney says, "Slot machines are illegal in California." The Gilgoff Report Get into arcade diggers (some folks call them claws) is this month’s advice from our investment counselor, Joel Gilgoff.

January 1982

Brooks Novelty Antiques Steve Brooks loves to talk about slot machines; but then, he loves to talk about almost anything. In this article, Brooks opens up about collecting, collectors and the hobby as a whole. Mad Money in a Mad House A meaningful slot machine of the past got away from this woman, just as it had gotten away from her father many years before. Make-Believe Casino In a fancy Beverly Hills hotel, dealers wait for players at roulette, craps and blackjack tables. In California? It must be a make-believe casino. The Gilgoff Report According to our investment counselor, scales are the coming collectible to keep your eyes on.

December 1981

Penny’s Arcade The arcade machine is something unique to America. No other country had them. They lasted until the advent of the talkies in the late 1920s, then slowly began disappearing. This collector, however, has one of the largest collections in the country—with more than 200 arcade machines. Antique Gambler’s Auction November 13-15, 1981, Las Vegas. This complete report includes pricing highlights as well as lots of pictures and coverage of the preview party.

November 1981

The Loose Change Fun Fair Pasadena, California, October 10-11, 1981. A dedication of this annual event, which turned out to be a huge success. The Goldfield Hotel A pictorial of a ghost-town hotel in Nevada that slowly became a victim of time and is now rumored to be occupied by ghosts. The Gilgoff Report The ever-popular Watling ROL-A-TOP in three different front configurations is this month’s topic.

October 1981

Cashing in on Cash Registers Brass cash registers are quickly becoming collectibles. It seems people are discovering their collection is missing something. Legal States for Slot Machines This is our legal update on the status of slot machines—state by state. Sludikoff On Gambling Stan Sludikoff is serious about gambling. He feels if you’re going to do it at all, you might just as well do it for the profits. Collecting Slot Machines Written especially for the newcomer to the hobby of collecting slot machines, this timely article traces the history and collecting of these popular machines.

September 1981

Silver Turns to Gold Nevada celebrates 50 years of legalized gambling with a colorful history. Containing many old photos, this issue is dedicated to that celebration. Nevada Picked a Winner Legalized gambling made Nevada famous. Harold’s Store Years ago, casinos were called stores. Harold’s was one of the first. Gaming License Number One The Northern Club in Las Vegas received its first gambling license; today, the same casino is called the Coin Castle. Reno Some say gambling put Reno on the map, but Reno was already there. A Belly Full of Bell Fruit A California company revived Polk-style wooden cowboys with bellies full of slot machine fruit. Casino Security The eye in the sky sees all. Gaming Gets an Education Now you can go to college to learn gaming! Why Do I Collect So Many Slot Machines? No one can answer that but this collector, who is hopelessly hooked on slot machines. Gaming Pioneers Early gambling figures made Western history a lot more colorful. The Gilgoff Report The Caille CENTAUR floor machine takes the spotlight.

August 1981

Say the Magic Word This arcade machine collector said the magic word and got a shooting gallery full of ducks. It turns out that he has the only known surviving Fey ELECTROFIRE coin-op shooting gallery. Arcade Routes There’s more than meets the eye to operating the route of an arcade machine show. Chicagoland Antique Slot Show Chicago, May 30-31, 1981. This event became the mini-version of the Loose Change Fun Fair. The Gilgoff Report Well-known collector and dealer Joel Gilgoff spotlights the Bally FIREBALL pinball game.

July 1981

The Big Deal Who is that smiling at you from behind the blackjack table? In this case, it’s Deanne Dauterman, the young woman who has been dealing blackjack and other casino games for about a year. Classy Cash Register Larry Kaplan owns a cash register that, until recently, had been in constant use since 1927. Actor’s Workshop Tony Goodstone tells how and why he restores his machines. Have Fans, Will Travel All tracks are cleared for Burton Burton’s rolling showroom. The Hallowed Halls of Gaming Dealing executive Chuck Miller explains what it’s like to teach people how to run casino games for a living. The Gilgoff Report Joel Gilgoff spotlights the Wurlitzer 105 jukebox. The Left-Handed Slot Machine A fictitious account of how even an experienced collector can run into trouble.

June 1981

Mechanical Master of an Ancient Game The Mills DICE machine throws real dice and follows the rules of craps, but it was never as successful as the excitement of playing the game would seem to justify. The New Mizpah Hotel—As Good As Old A tour of what has been known as the elegant outpost in the Nevada desert, the Mizpah is a museum with loads of Victorian charm and is filled with one-of-a-kind slot machines. Reception Rave An old-fashioned collectors’ party thrown by Loose Change at the Royal Americana Hotel and Casino. The Jigsaw Bell Fiction about an innocent slot machine lover who finds herself involved in the underworld of intrigue and espionage. The Gilgoff Report Well-known collector and dealer Joel Gilgoff talks about investment opportunities for the coin-op dealer.

May 1981

All This and Slot Machines Too A tour of a Las Vegas casino that caters to slot machine enthusiasts at the Royal Americana Hotel and Casino. Surrender, Earthling A discussion of how the new electronic games work and why they are more popular than pinball machines. The Canton Flea Market With more than 3,000 dealers, this flea market in Texas is a happy hunting ground for anyone interested in coin-operated machines. Over at Orin’s Place A personal profile of Orin Yeager, one of the most respected collectors in the country. Blackjack Billy A lighthearted fictional tale of a man, his wife and the slot machine that comes between them.

April 1981

Wilker Wonderland A visit with Stan and Betty Wilker and an inside look at their exquisite antique gaming collection. Jack Kelly: A Legend of the West A veteran actor talks candidly about his role as Maverick and his real life interest in gamblers and con men of the Old West. The House on the Rock Near Madison, Wisconsin, there is a surprising collection of artistic and scientific wonders from all over the world, including some of the finest automatic music-making machines ever known. A Man and His Machine A new collector tells about buying his first slot machine. The Rhythm of the Reels Fictional account of a man who makes music with his slot machine.

March 1981

The Bally DOUBLE BELL A detailed examination of the extraordinary 1939 slot machine that is one of the most unusual of all time as well as a comparison of similarities between it and the Mills products of the same era. Bigger than a Breadbox A look at the fascinating Helms bread truck—an obsolete piece of Los Angeles Americana. Converting on a Budget A low-cost method for converting those English machines to American coins. Gambling Paper The Gambler’s Book Store is a unique source of written material about gambling. Slot Machines Never Die Fiction. A private detective is hired to find the slot machines that disappeared from a gambling ship years ago.

February 1981

Their House is a Museum A tour of a home filled with country store memorabilia and other Americana. Arcade Machines au Naturel The Knott’s Berry Farm Buffalo Nickel Arcade is the biggest hands-on showplace of antique and contemporary machines in the world. Almost a Wurlitzer How one man built a Wurlitzer 1015 from scratch. Straight Gamblers and Crooked Cards Fiction. A riverboat gambler teaches a young man something about cards.

January 1981

The Pony Express Rides Again Frank Harper talks about Harrah’s Pony Express Museum. Meanwhile, Back at the Backbar How to refinish that old backbar. Gambling in the Round Roulette is not just for the sophisticated. Find out why. Bells and Lemons in 1980 Joel Gilgoff comments on the past and looks into the future. The Caille Brothers Make History Find out how tough things were for slot machines at the turn of the century. A famous slot machine family explains. Diamond Lil Fiction. A strange slot machine entrances one young man.

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