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Joker Poker

gameactive28 mentionsFirst seen Jul 16, 2018Last seen Mar 20, 2026

Profile

Joker Poker is a classic pinball machine originally manufactured by Gottlieb that exists in both EM (electromechanical) and solid-state versions. The game holds significant cultural importance in the pinball community, having inspired multiple players' entries into the hobby and remaining a cherished favorite among collectors. It is notably owned by Dutch royalty (King Willem-Alexander) and has been a formative machine for several prominent pinball personalities, including Colin MacAlpine and Simon Peel.

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Facts

No facts recorded

Claims (2)

  • factualmedium

    Joker Poker (1978) is one of the first solid-state pinball games

    Source: ManuJoker Poker (Gottlieb 1978) & Criss Cross Pop-Up (Chicago Coin 1964)
  • factualhigh

    Joker Poker at INDISC 2019 is running a modified ROM with doubled and tripled playfield scoring

    Source: Mike Raymond, tournament commentatorINDISC 2019 - Classics I Playoffs - Semifinals

Recent Mentions (28)

  • 1979 EM pinball machine mentioned as Colin's introduction to pinball hobby

    HEXA Pinball Launches The 3 MusketeersMar 20, 2026
  • 1979 classic EM machine that inspired Colin's lifetime interest in pinball

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  • 1979 EM (electromechanical) pinball machine from Colin's family collection that sparked his interest in pinball

    Registration Now Open for Pinball Media Mixer 3 at Pinball ExpoSep 26, 2025
  • 1979 classic electromechanical pinball machine that inspired Colin's lifetime interest in pinball

    2025’s Best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Pinball Deals (Updated Live)Dec 1, 2025
  • 1979 classic EM pinball machine; sparked Colin's interest in pinball

    Marino Zaccaria, Co-Founder of Zaccaria Pinball, Has DiedDec 1, 2025
  • 1979 EM (electromechanical) pinball machine; the game that sparked Colin's lifelong interest in pinball

    Where My Pinball Money GoesDec 8, 2025

Contradictions

  • Existing: EM machine that sparked Colin's pinball passion (mention 1)vsConflicting: Solid-state drop-target game in Colin's collection (mention 0)
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

1979 EM pinball game that sparked Colin's initial interest in pinball

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  • 1979 EM-era classic pinball machine that inspired author Colin's lifelong pinball passion via family copy.

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  • System 1 Williams pinball machine at Funspot, noted for poor LED conversion aesthetics

    Episode 9: The Classic Pinball Podcast - Funspot Arcade, Laconia, NH with Eric Stone.Aug 27, 2019
  • Game at Electric Bat consistently busy with players

    Ep 111 With Special Guest Rachel BessJun 16, 2021
  • Pinball machine in high stakes tournament; set on 5 balls with extra balls allowed

    INDISC 2022 High Stakes PlayoffsJan 2, 2023
  • Classic pinball machine used in INDISC 2019 Classics division; running modified ROM with doubled/tripled playfield scoring; featured in semifinal matches

    INDISC 2019 - Classics I Playoffs - SemifinalsMar 4, 2019
  • System 1 Gottlieb game; mentioned as one of best System 1 games alongside Countdown

    Episode 112 – Almost LiveOct 17, 2018
  • Pinball machine where David Peck won Group 3, described as 'playing really mean'

    INDISC 2019 - Classics II Playoffs - First RoundApr 13, 2020
  • Gottlieb 1978 pinball machine; early solid-state game with optional EM version; gameplay focus of first portion of stream

    Joker Poker (Gottlieb 1978) & Criss Cross Pop-Up (Chicago Coin 1964)Nov 1, 2023
  • 1979 EM pinball machine owned by Colin Alsheimer; acquired from wife's father

    Colin Alsheimer- Pinball Expo 2023 - Pinball NewsOct 21, 2023
  • EN version machine in Colin's collection; belonged to Colin's wife's family in basement; inspired their entry into pinball hobby.

    Colin Alsheimer – Editor / Author Kineticist and TWIP - Episode 22Mar 30, 2024
  • Rare EM game at Bluffs where Kevin excels competitively; features different rules and lower bonus multiplier than SS version

    Episode 281: Kevin ChauSep 28, 2020
  • Classic pinball machine used in PinFest qualifying; Julie scored 300,000

    Episode 196: Julie Dorssers, the Wonder Woman of PinfestMay 13, 2019
  • Early game Josh played at Pops; helped him make pinball friends and understand objectives

    Episode 77 - Die on this Hill: Bally Dungeons & DragonsApr 7, 2025
  • Gottlieb System 1 game owned by Electric Bat; praised as quality game alongside Sinbad

    Episode 22 - Die on this Hill: SinbadMar 18, 2024
  • Classic poker-themed pinball game; Jeff Hart describes as 'probably the second best poker-related game of all time' with ~14-15 drop targets

    Episode 60 - Die on This Hill: World Poker TourDec 9, 2024
  • Classic EM pinball machine that inspired Simon Peel's entry into pinball at age ~10 in Australian fish and chip shop.

    Episode 365: Australia’s Jason Lambert and Simon PeelJun 20, 2023
  • Card-themed game available in both EM and solid-state versions; plays optimally with 5-ball format

    Episode 299: Erik WurtenbergerMar 10, 2021
  • Gottlieb pinball machine owned by King Willem-Alexander and housed at Dutch Pinball Museum; played during royal youth

    Koninklijke aankondiging!Sep 24, 2025
  • Solid-state drop-target game in Colin's collection

    Episode 52 – How to win Pinburgh with Colin MacAlpineJul 16, 2018
  • EM machine that sparked Colin's pinball passion. Same machine his wife grew up with; taken over around 2015-2016. Listed as top-four favorite.

    Dirty Pool Podcast Ep01 – Kineticist on the State of Pinball NewsMay 6, 2025