Those that know me know that I like oddball and weird machines.
I actually remember playing this machine in a dumpy casino called Nob Hill on the strip back in the summer of 1981. I only played the machine a few times to watch it operate. The odds were so horrible that I never played it much.
Back then I was doing an internship for Honeywell in LA and virtually every weekend I went to Vegas with friends. Back then I was a card counter and Nob Hill was one of the places I liked to hit. Almost got thrown out of the place but I guess I never won enough.
Anyway I always thought this machine was cool and that was before I bought my first slot machine.
During the last COCA convention a collector was showing me his collection and as soon as I saw this I immediately recognized it. I asked him if it was for sale and he said yes. I just took delivery of it a few days ago.
Only then did I find out who made it. It was made by a company by the name of Bonanza. I have never heard of them and am guessing they didn't stay in business long. These were made in the late 70's or very early 80's. I have not been able to find a date of manufacture on it but I know they existed in 1981 because that is when I played it.
The game is simple. Deposit 1 - 5 quarters and make a bet on what the dice total will be. The choices are 2, 7, 11, 12, 6 and below, 8 and above.
If you win you have the option of collecting your winnings or try to double up by selecting "6 and below" or "8 and above".
If you win this bet you can chose to try and double up or collect your winnings.
The machine plays with real dice and throws them and then reads the total.
I have searched the Internet and found virtually nothing. I did find a post in this forum from a guy who found one several years ago. He posted a request for information and no one responded. If you know anything about this machine or the company then please let me know.
I plan to do a YT video later but here are some photos.