PIN-TABLE CRAZE

Evening Star, Issue 22085, 19 July 1935, Page 8

PIN-TABLE CRAZE

ISO A WEEK SIDE LINE The pin-table craze has reached vast proportions in Britain. It'is only three years since it began. Now it is estimated that there are 250,000. tables. It is estimated that eighteen million pennies go into the table every week—£7s.ooo. 4 ’ , , The “ pin ” table is an elaboration of bagatelle. The machines cost between £lO and £ls each. They are installed in clubs, saloons, and public houses on profit-sharing terms. The pin table, like the fruit machine, is an American export. The machines have found their way into taverns in the remotest rural areas, while in the towns garages and other premises have been converted into pin-table saloons. There are approximately 100 of these saloons in London. A city dairyman with a large milk round has established also a pin-table round. He owns 40 machines and (has installed them on a fifty-fifty basis in various parts of London. Each machine earns him an average of £1 10s a week. His expenses include the running of a motor car and mechanics’ charges for maintenance. Bent coins frequently put the tables out of action. One firm employs 200 mechanics, who are sent to all parts of the country on maintenance work.

• New types of tables are being introduced every few months. There are at present 50 different types.