Last Updated on 7 months by Christopher G Mendla
Skee Ball goes back to the early 1900’s. It was patented in 1908. The hard balls and mechanical score counters add to the atmosphere of an arcade. I found Skee Ball machines at Marty’s Playland on the boardwalk in Ocean City Maryland.
Skee Ball was invented and patented in 1908. The game consists of a ramp, scoring rings and hardwood, Masonite or plastic balls. The player rolls the balls up the lane trying to get into the highest scoring holes. The current price is about 25 cents for 9 balls. You earn points based on your score. Usually this is in the form of coupons that you can redeem for prizes.
The prizes range from really cheap plastic toys to expensive electronics. When I say cheap I mean really cheap. However, redeeming your points can be fun even if you only have a few. “Do I want the bamboo thumb cuffs for 20 points or two plastic yo-yo’s that will never work for 10 points each?”
Skee Ball is a fun game that hasn’t changed in over 100 years. Marty’s also has some vintage Pokerino tables.