Jumbo

The Jumbo pinball machine, designed by George H. Miner and manufactured by Bally Manufacturing Corporation (model 29), is a significant artifact in the early history of one-ball payout pinball. According to Bally president Ray Moloney, Jumbo was, as of October 1935, the company's greatest seller and biggest moneymaker to date, and Bally's own newsletter later credited it as "the original jumbo-size pingame," which started the industry trend toward bigger games and faster play.

A key aspect of the Jumbo's gameplay is its one-ball payout mechanism, using a 1-inch nickel-plated brass ball, through which a player could win up to two dollars. The machine also features a sound effect tied to the payout that could be disabled by the operator. An updated version, released later as Model 45, combined a ticket dispenser with the payout function and added a drawer for easier battery changes.

The Jumbo's design reflects its era, with a straightforward aesthetic that emphasizes function over flashy visuals. The cabinet measures 44 inches long by 22 inches wide, with a long payout drawer located below the locking front door, and a ticket vendor, if equipped, visible below the coin slide. As one of Bally's most successful early machines, the Jumbo offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of coin-operated payout gaming.