Spot-a-Card

Spot-a-Card, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1960, represents a classic example of card-themed electro-mechanical pinball machines that were popular during the early 1960s. The machine capitalized on America's fascination with playing cards and gambling themes, while maintaining family-friendly gameplay mechanics that kept it welcome in mainstream locations.

The machine's playfield design featured card-related artwork and scoring objectives based around poker hands and card combinations. Like many Gottlieb games of this era, it utilized the company's distinctive relay-based scoring system and featured the characteristic sounds of chimes and bells that defined electro-mechanical pinball. The gameplay focused on hitting specific targets to 'collect' cards, with various scoring combinations possible based on poker-style hand rankings.

Spot-a-Card's legacy lies in its representation of the golden age of electro-mechanical pinball, when manufacturers were creating increasingly sophisticated games while still working within the constraints of relay-based technology. The machine's card theme would influence numerous future pinball designs, as card games remained a popular motif throughout pinball history.

While exact production numbers are not well-documented, Spot-a-Card was manufactured during a period when Gottlieb was the dominant force in pinball manufacturing, known for producing reliable and profitable machines for operators. The game's straightforward but engaging gameplay helped it maintain a presence in arcades and other locations throughout the early 1960s.