Dealer's Choice

Dealer's Choice, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1974, emerged during the golden age of electro-mechanical pinball machines. The game capitalized on the widespread popularity of poker and card games during this era, featuring card-themed artwork and gameplay elements that resonated with both casino enthusiasts and pinball players.

The machine's playfield design incorporated card-themed targets and drop targets representing different poker hands, allowing players to build poker combinations for scoring. The backglass artwork typically displayed a classic poker scene with card players around a table, reflecting the popular gambling culture of the 1970s. As an EM machine, it utilized mechanical score reels and chimes rather than electronic sounds and displays.

Dealer's Choice represented a common theme in 1970s pinball design where manufacturers sought to tie their machines to popular cultural activities and pastimes. The game helped bridge the gap between traditional card gaming and mechanical amusement devices, making it a notable example of how pinball manufacturers adapted their themes to attract a broader audience. While not among Gottlieb's most produced or famous machines, it remains a sought-after collector's piece that exemplifies the artistic and mechanical craftsmanship of the electro-mechanical era.