Chicago is known for many things, but did you know that it's widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern arcade industry?
Chicago companies like Chicago Coin, Gottlieb, Williams, and Bally Manufacturing joined the coin-operated amusement business with pinball machines in the 1930s.
By 1942 pinball was banned in major cities across the country because it was believed they could be used for gambling. The ban was overturned in Chicago in 1977 after Chicago native Roger Sharpe proved to New York officials that pinball uses skill, not just luck. Read more about pinball prohibition and Roger Sharpe here.
In the 1960s and onward, Chicago pinball business shifted focus to also manufacture video game arcade cabinets. Gottlieb produced Q*bert in 1982. Bally merged with Midway Games and produced many well-known games, including Space Invaders (1979), Pac Man (1980), and Mortal Kombat (1992).
Chicago continues to be a major player in the pinball and video game industries, with many local arcades and pinball manufacturers in the Chicago suburbs:
Galloping Ghost Arcade: Largest arcade in the United States, with over 885 arcade games (Located in Brookfield). Founder of Galloping Ghost, Doc Mack is the subject of an in-progress documentary
Jersey Jack Pinball: Design new and collectable pinball machines (Located in Elk Grove). Here's a behind-the-scenes look at their space
Stern Pinball: Founded by part-owner of Williams Electronics. Design new and collectable pinball machines (Located in Elk Grove)
Arlington Heights' own Arlington Ale House is a local spot to try out your pinball skills (ages 21+)