Boo-Hoo

Boo-Hoo is a rare and fascinating electro-mechanical pinball machine from May 1937, produced by Daval Manufacturing Co. of Chicago. A flipperless novelty game with a horse racing theme, it offers a glimpse into the pre-flipper days of the game, when playfield gadgets and light shows were the main attractions.

Gameplay on Boo-Hoo is built around 13 spring bumpers and six trap holes, which give the player plenty of targets as the five balls make their way down the playfield. The machine's standout feature is its backglass light animation, in which horses appear to race around a track, creating an immersive spectacle for players and spectators alike. Notably, Boo-Hoo was advertised as a 5-ball non-payout novelty game, positioning it as pure entertainment rather than a gambling device in an era when payout games were common.

The design and art on Boo-Hoo are evocative of its era, with graphics that capture the spirit of 1930s horse racing. Between its animated backglass and its cheerful theme, Boo-Hoo is a charming example of the creativity that pre-war designers brought to the flipperless game.