Sport King

The Sport King, manufactured by Bally in 1940, is a notable piece of pinball history that showcases the design of the era's electro-mechanical (EM) payout machines. Themed around horse racing, it offers a glimpse into the popular culture of its time and reflects Bally's ongoing focus on sports-themed games during this period, following earlier titles like Sport Page and Fair Grounds.

The gameplay features of Sport King are fascinating in their own right. Players can enjoy traditional pinball action with one ball for 5 cents, but the machine also boasts a notable "buying the board" feature. This unique aspect allows players to activate all 28 trap holes by spending 40 consecutive coins (or a set limit of 30 coins, if preferred by the operator) without receiving a payout. This creative twist adds a new layer of strategy and reward to the gameplay experience. The machine's straightforward design and art style reflect the aesthetic of pinball machines during this era, with simple yet effective graphics that evoke the excitement of horse racing.

Interestingly, according to a period Automatic Age article, players would often "buy the board" before shooting their first ball, an apparently unintended use of the feature. This behavior is a testament to the Sport King's ability to captivate players and encourage them to explore new ways of playing the game. Sport King's free-play counterpart, Sport Special, was released the same year, underscoring Bally's continued investment in horse-racing themed pinball during this era.