Bally Corporation
Bally Corporation, also known as Bally Manufacturing Corporation, was an American company that specialized in the manufacturing of arcade games, pinball machines, and slot machines. Founded in 1932 by Raymond Moloney, Bally quickly became one of the leading manufacturers of pinball machines and amusement devices.
History
The company was originally founded as Ballyhoo, and its first game was a pinball machine called Ballyhoo. However, the company’s name was changed to Bally Manufacturing Corporation in 1936, and the company began to focus exclusively on the manufacturing of pinball machines.
Bally was known for its innovative pinball designs, which included features like electronic sound effects and flashing lights. Some of the company’s most notable pinball machines include the “Wizard!” series, which included games like “Wizard!,” “Sorcerer!,” and “Elvira and the Party Monsters.” Other popular Bally pinball machines included “The Addams Family,” “Twilight Zone,” and “Medieval Madness.”
In addition to pinball machines, Bally also produced arcade games and slot machines. The company’s arcade games included classics like “Pac-Man” and “Galaga,” while its slot machines were some of the most popular in the industry.
Notable People
One of the most notable figures to work at Bally was George Gomez, a pinball designer who created some of the company’s most popular machines. Gomez worked at Bally from 1985 to 2000, during which time he designed games like “Monster Bash,” “Cirqus Voltaire,” and “The Lord of the Rings.”
Demise
Despite its success, Bally struggled financially in the 1990s and early 2000s. The company was eventually acquired by Harrah’s Entertainment in 2005, and its pinball division was sold to a group of investors who formed the company Stern Pinball, Inc. Today, Bally’s legacy lives on through its pinball machines and other arcade games, which remain popular among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, Bally Corporation was a leading manufacturer of arcade games, pinball machines, and slot machines. Its innovative designs and popular games made it one of the most successful companies in the industry, and its legacy continues to live on today.