Playtime

Playtime, released by Chicago Coin in 1968, designed by Al Schlappa, Jerry Koci & John Gore. Artist is unattributed.

This is one of the most misogynistic machines made. Intoxicated patrons ogle and grope at scantily uniformed "Bunnies" at a world renowned Playboy Club. Hugh Hefner's empire started in Chicago, 1960 and reached its peak in 1968 - 72. It was at this peak that Chicago Coin decided to push the limits of trademark infringement : the women on the backglass and playfield wearing Playboy Bunny Costumes. In 1963, the Playboy Bunny outfit was the first commercial service uniform to receive a United States Trademark. (U.S. Trademark Reg. No. 0762884). Playboy Enterprises aggressively enforced these rights against unauthorized commercial reproductions so it makes one wonder how Chicago Coin (CC) (or the artist) got away with such a flagrant theft of Intellectual Property.

Even more shocking; Using the Atlas features, choose the Backglass photo, zoom in on the martini glass on the tray of the Bunny on the left. You will see a small Playboy Bunny Head drink stirrer. It is done so small Hugh's cadre of lawyers probably didn't catch it. Either CC was thumbing their nose at Hefner, or they were flexing the muscle of the mobbed up company daring him to take Chicago Coin to court. It's also possible they came to an "arrangement" that was mutually satisfying.

The backglass is an amazing composition; In the back there is chaos with two Bunnies being chased while the manager tries to corral the drunks. On the far left and right upper corners are the "Non" Bunnies, wives who are both looking downward while the men feign interest or get distracted by all the Bunnies.

The playfield plastic shield art is where the subject matter shows its true colors. The women are all trying to act professional but the men are complete pigs. The artist captured the scene well, with sausage fingered men grasping at beautiful women who are forced to maintain a sense of decorum. The art clearly displays the irony of the theme, it's Playtime, but is everyone having a good time?

-Michael Schiess -2026