Polo

The Polo pinball machine, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in the early 1970s, represents a classic example of electro-mechanical pinball design during the sport-themed golden age of pinball. This machine captured the essence of the elegant equestrian sport of polo, bringing it to the masses through the medium of pinball entertainment.

The machine featured traditional electro-mechanical components typical of its era, with relay-based scoring, mechanical chimes, and the distinctive clicking and clacking sounds that characterized pinball machines of this period. The playfield likely included polo-themed artwork depicting mallets, horses, and riders, while incorporating standard pinball elements such as pop bumpers, drop targets, and rollover switches configured to represent various polo scoring plays.

As with many sports-themed machines of the early 1970s, Polo would have found its home in bars, bowling alleys, and arcades across America during a time when pinball was a dominant form of coin-operated entertainment. The game helped maintain Gottlieb's reputation for producing reliable, well-designed machines that offered engaging gameplay while celebrating popular sports and activities.

While not among Gottlieb's most famous titles, Polo represents an interesting intersection of high-society sport and everyman entertainment, making it a noteworthy piece of pinball history that reflects the cultural dynamics of its time.