The Sportsman

The Sportsman, manufactured by O.D. Jennings and Company in 1934 and designed by Cliff Dumble, is a notable early example of an electro-mechanical (EM) payout machine. Themed around hunting, it reflects the sports-and-outdoors motifs common in payout games of the period.

Gameplay-wise, The Sportsman is notable for its 10-ball-for-5-cents setup, which allowed players extended gameplay sessions. The presence of 30 trap holes added an element of challenge and skill, requiring players to navigate their balls into scoring areas for a payout.

Visually, the machine boasts ornate carvings on its cabinet sides, a metal inset within the playfield glass frame, and a distinctive round knob on the right side for turning instead of a traditional pull handle. These design elements not only added an aesthetic touch but also provided a sense of sophistication to the game's overall appearance. The Sportsman features a hinged flap under its center front for dispensing payouts, rather than a traditional cup, and its cast metal cash box is accessible underneath the game. This original version is distinguished from later reissues by its two-word apron nameplate, "The Sportsman," and square cabinet-corner legs.