The Rise and Fall — and Rise Again — of Pinball

Once banned as a form of gambling and later nearly wiped out by video games, pinball has survived nearly a century of moral panic, cultural change, and technological upheaval. Now, in the era of arcade bars and basements, the classic game has earned an extra life. New technology, digital integration, and motivated collectors are fueling a pinball renaissance. But not everyone prefers the new evolution of the game. We explored the past and present of the industry to find out why pinball is still standing.