🎰 Keno Superstar – When Arcades Met Casino Style Fun
The 1980s and early 1990s were a fascinating time in arcade history. Not only were players flocking to cabinets featuring fast-paced shooters and platforming heroes, but there was also a surprising wave of casino-inspired machines that brought games of chance to the local arcade and bar scene. One standout example of this crossover was Keno Superstar by Merit Industries Inc.
This vibrant advertisement perfectly captures the spirit of that era — bold colors, flashy fonts, and promises of excitement and profit. “Put the Superstar to work for you!” the ad proclaims, emphasizing not just fun but also business potential. The unit featured a big 19” screen, bill acceptor readiness, and even a journal printer for state-regulated operations, making it suitable for both amusement and gaming venues.
Interestingly, Merit also offered an amusement-only, hi-score version, showing how flexible these machines were for different markets. The company proudly highlighted that Keno Superstar was Montana approved, a big deal for the time as gaming regulations varied widely from state to state.
The woodgrain cabinet and classic arcade button layout reflect the transitional era between mechanical gambling machines and modern video terminals. It’s a reminder of how video technology slowly started to reshape gaming, blurring the line between traditional arcades and casino entertainment.
Did you know?
Merit Industries, based in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, was one of the key players in the countertop and video poker markets during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Their products like Keno Superstar paved the way for the touchscreen bar-top games that became common in the 2000s.
For collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts, Keno Superstar stands as a nostalgic symbol of a time when arcade innovation went hand-in-hand with the glitz of casino-style gaming. It’s part of that quirky, colorful chapter of arcade history that continues to fascinate fans today.
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