Spin-a-Card

Gottlieb's 'Spin-a-Card' was released during the golden age of electro-mechanical pinball machines, representing one of the company's popular card-themed games of the 1970s. The machine cleverly incorporated playing card imagery and mechanics into its gameplay, a theme that resonated well with arcade audiences of the era.

The game's signature feature was its innovative card-spinning mechanism, which would randomly select playing cards as part of the scoring system. This mechanical feature exemplified the ingenious engineering common in EM-era pinball machines, where physical components created both visual appeal and gameplay elements. The playfield likely included traditional pinball elements like pop bumpers and drop targets, but uniquely themed around card suits and values.

Spin-a-Card emerged during a critical period in pinball history, just a few years before the industry's transition to solid-state electronics. It represented the mature phase of electro-mechanical design, where manufacturers had mastered complex mechanical systems to create engaging player experiences. While production numbers aren't definitively known, machines from this era typically saw production runs of 2,000 to 4,000 units.

The game's legacy lives on as an example of the creative themed machines that helped establish pinball as a mainstay of American entertainment culture. Its card-based gameplay mechanics influenced subsequent pinball designs, and surviving units are sought after by collectors who appreciate the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the electro-mechanical era.