Belmont

The Belmont, manufactured by Bally in November 1936, is an early electro-mechanical one-ball payout machine. As a relic from the first years of electrified pinball, the Belmont offers a glimpse into the payout-game side of the industry that flourished in the 1930s.

Key features of the Belmont include its 18 trap holes, where every capture awards a payout, with two Mystery holes each paying variable odds. The Free Play hole adds an element of unpredictability by changing the odds for players who find it. A 12-coin visible escalator displays the coins deposited into the machine, and the game operates on batteries at one ball for 5 cents. A ticket model was also available.

The Belmont's horse racing theme is a quintessential example of 1930s payout-game aesthetics, evoking the thrill of the track. Advertised at 53 inches long and 24 inches wide, its compact size belies its intricate odds-based mechanics. Interestingly, a single issue of The Billboard carried both an ad and a photo of the game showing different cabinet art from each other. No designer is credited, leaving enthusiasts to appreciate its historical character on its own terms.