The Man Who Shot Pinball to Victory: How a Writer Ended NYC's 35-Year Ban

A journalist is celebrated as the man who saved pinball in New York City. His testimony ended the city's 35-year ban on the game. Roger Sharpe, known as "The Man Who Saved Pinball," helped overturn the prohibition in 1976. City leaders had long considered pinball a game of chance linked to gambling and crime. The key moment came during a city council hearing. To prove pinball was a game of skill, not luck, Sharpe was asked to demonstrate. He called his shot, predicting the ball would go down a specific lane. He made the shot. The successful demonstration helped convince the council to legalize pinball. Sharpe recently discussed the 50th anniversary of this event. His testimony changed the game's fate in the city, allowing arcades and bars to install machines legally.