Hot Springs

Hot Springs, produced by D. Gottlieb & Company in May 1937, is an early example of an electro-mechanical pinball machine. As a relic from the dawn of pinball's popularity, it offers insight into the game's evolution, and Gottlieb was a pioneering manufacturer that played a crucial role in shaping the industry.

This flipperless, single-player game features twelve spring bumpers and offered five balls for five cents - an economical setup designed to appeal to a wide audience. Its horse racing theme fits the sporting subject matter popular in the era. Notably, Hot Springs was a non-payout game, distinguishing it from the many gambling-style payout machines of the late 1930s. The cabinet was advertised at 44 inches long by 22 inches wide, and the game was sold to operate on AC current only.

Little is known about the designer or any specific design innovations, but Hot Springs remains an intriguing piece of pinball history that offers a glimpse into the industry's early days, and its place in the pre-flipper era makes it a fascinating artifact for collectors and historians alike.