Carnival Queen

Carnival Queen is a fascinating example of Bally's electromechanical bingo machines, designed by Don Hooker at Bally Manufacturing Corporation. Its greatest claim to fame is that it was the first game to feature Bally's 'Magic Screen', a landmark innovation in the bingo machine line. It was also among the first Bally bingos advertised with metal legs, though that distinction may technically belong to Bally's 'Beach Time', released two months earlier.

The gameplay features are what set this machine apart. The playfield's 25 trap holes add an element of unpredictability and challenge, while the Magic Screen, with its Red and Yellow Super Sections, creates varied scoring opportunities - two numbers in a section may even score as 5-in-line. A clever purchasable feature allows players to press buttons to rearrange the numbers on the backglass card before shooting the fourth or fifth ball, adding a genuine layer of strategy to each game.

The machine's design and art also deserve attention. The carnival theme is vibrant and inviting, transporting players to a world of joy and excitement. As the debut of the Magic Screen, Carnival Queen holds a notable place in bingo machine history and makes an attractive addition to any serious collector's lineup.