Plinko debuted as a pricing game in January 1983. Originally, the center space was worthR$5,000, with a potential top prize ofR$25,000.

On January 3rd, 1983 the world was introduced to the Price is Right's newest game: Plinko (CBS Interactive, n.d.) A contestant stood on the stage at the Plinko board, ready to drop chips in the pachinko-like board, for a chance to win different cash prizes depending on which chamber the chip fell into.