Owning A Slot Machine

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  1. States Where Owning Slots Is Illegal In 9 different U.S. States, it is illegal to own slot machines. Many of the states listed are anti-gambling bastions. Hawaii is one of two states which ban all forms of gambling, along with Utah.
  2. Slot Machine Ownership There are three major reasons why an individual might buy a slot machine. The most common is as a collector’s item; early models are considered antiques, and they make a good investment. A second reason is for recreation, not unlike owning a pinball machine or an arcade game.
  3. Slot machine video from casino expert Steve Bourie that teaches you the insider secrets to winning at slot machines and how a slot machine really works.

Laws regarding slot machines for home use. Learn more about owning a slot machine.

If you live in Texas, then you are fortunate to buy any type of real slot machine for sale. The condition is that you have to own a real slot machine for your personal use, and do not operate it for gambling (operate it for a profit). This is different than some of the other US states. Many require that the machine be a certain numbers old, considered an antique. Still, others will not allow you to own or possess a Slot Machine of any age! In Texas, it is perfectly and completely legal to own whatever Slot Machine you like.

It is highly suggested to the use of Tokens instead of using U.S. coins. Tokens for slot machines are only good for your slot machines. They are slightly larger than, let’s say for example, a quarter. Once converted, a quarter equivalent token will be accepted and a real quarter will drop right on through and be rejected.

Tokens and Quarters that work

Slot machines can work with real coins such as quarters, But your seller can also supply you with tokens so that you can play with confidence that none of your money is disappearing or no one is tempted to gamble, which is illegal in Texas. There are various sellers at various counties in Texas like Dallas or Houston that have real slot machines in stock for sale.

As these machines mostly run on tokens, most of the token sizes that you will need for your machine’s denomination sizes are slightly larger than the real coin they replace. This allows the coin to appear the same respective size and be accepted while the coin it replaces drops through and is rejected.

Also, give that game room of yours a special touch with personalized tokens. You can even custom order tokens for you with your own name and logo on them if you desire. This can come under special order and a minimum quantity would be required for such tokens that you can purchase.

What type of slot machines can you find on sale in Texas?

You can find man branded slot machines on sale in Texas like IGT, WMS, Bally and more brands. Game rooms” throughout the state feature slot machine-like devices commonly called “eight-liners”. The machines are legal if they offer only non-cash prizes valued at less than $5,but law enforcement officials say that illegal cash payouts are near-universal. Enforcement of existing laws regarding the machines has been inconsistent, and legislative efforts to ban them have failed. Eight-liners began to proliferate following passage of the 1993 “fuzzy animal law”, which was intended to clarify that amusement games that award low-value prizes or tickets were legal.

Texas slot machine casino gambling consists of two American Indian tribal casinos with Class II competition-style machines. Texas also has six pari-mutual wagering facilities without slot machines. Neither minimum or maximum payout return limits exist for tribal casinos in Texas. No actual payout returns are publicly available.

The minimum legal gambling age in Texas depends upon the gambling activity:

  • Land-Based Casinos: 21
  • Poker Rooms: 21
  • Bingo: 18 in churches, 21 in casinos, and less than 18 if accompanied by an adult
  • Lottery: 18
  • Pari-Mutuel Wagering: 18

Where to buy slot machines online?

If you are thinking in buying your first slot machine, then finding a used slot machine vendor online is the easy part. With a minimal amount of research, gaming memorabilia collectors can find countless places to buy used slot machines.

Here are few slot machine resellers

  • Slot Machines Unlimited
  • Houston Slot Machines
  • Gamblers Oasis
  • Slot Machines USA
  • Old Time Slots
  • LA Slot MacBright’s.,
  • Bright’s Antique Slot Machines
  • San Diego Antique Slot Machines
  • Wee Chin Electric Machinery Inc.

Those who don’t want to shop at outlets they are not familiar with can try the biggest online markets. While Amazon does not seem to have many casino slot machines for sale, eBay is a gold mine for Antique slots.

Buying & Owning Slot Machines (Detailed Buyer

eBay’s list of used slot machines ncludes categories like Antique, Bally, Glass, IGT, Jennings, Video, and Vintage. The Antique Coin Slot Machines page contains everything from spare parts for $6 to full antique machines ranging into the thousands of dollars. The Vintage Slot Machines listings on eBay include a lot of knick-knack items from the first half of the 20th century. Make sure you understand the size of these items you buy because many tiny replica machines are on sale online. If a machine is $10, it’s probably a toy.

Unlike older mechanical slot machines, which required periodic internal cleaning, adjustments and lubricating of the moving parts, modern day, computerized slot machines do not require that type of attention. Today’s slots will require just a little external cabinet dusting or wiping with a towel, slightly dampened with water. Also, lamp replacement behind the slot glass, top candle and buttons may be required in time.

If your slot machine is equipped with a bill validator, the bill path may get dusty over a period of years and can be cleaned with bill validator cleaning pads which can be purchased from again from online sites. Remember, if you feel uncomfortable doing any of these maintenance items yourself, most of the sellers offer excellent in-home service for a nominal fee.

Are You Legally Allowed to Own or Operate Slot Machines Outside of Casinos?

Wisconsin has gambling laws which limit the ownership and possession of gambling devices. Yet there are places in Wisconsin where these devices, ranging from traditional slot machines to modern video gambling machines, are perfectly legal. Under Wisconsin Law, gambling device charges range from non-criminal forfeiture violations, to misdemeanors and felonies. If you are being charged with possession of gambling devices, contact Milwaukee’s top defense lawyers for a consultation.

What counts as a gambling machine in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin state statute 945.01(3) defines a gambling machine as any “contrivance which for a consideration affords the player an opportunity to obtain something of value”. The most common type of device is a standard slot machine. Devices which are not considered gambling machines include pinball arcades and crane games. Video poker machines may be considered gambling devices if there is a payout for players.

Buy New Slot Machines

Commercial Gambling Devices in Milwaukee Bars and Taverns: For Entertainment Use Only?

Commercial gambling is illegal in Wisconsin with a few very specific exceptions. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is responsible for enforcing the laws yet countless video poker machines and slot games can be found in bars and restaurants across the state. The penalties for gambling machine ownership increases per device:

  • 1 machine: $500 forfeit maximum
  • 2 machines: $1,000 forfeit maximum
  • 3 machines: $1,500 forfeit maximum
  • 4 machines: $2,000 forfeit maximum
  • 5 machines: $2,500 forfeit maximum

Tribal casinos are exempt to these rules due to a state compact. Any other commercial establishment with these devices is at risk of being charged with possession. It often depends on local law enforcement’s interpretation of what constitutes a gambling device.

Examples of Legal Gambling in Wisconsin

  • Lottery contests
  • Bingo hall games
  • Raffles
  • Charity games
  • On-track racing bets (horse and dog)

Private Gambling Machining Ownership

Individuals owning more than 5 gambling devices are subject to criminal charges. Possession of 5 or fewer may result in civil forfeiture but no charges. However, the exact penalties will depend on the specifics of your case. Certain exceptions exist for private individuals who own slot machines which are more than 25 years old. However, even owning gambling device paraphernalia can put you on the wrong side of the law.

Selling a gambling device like a slot machine is another gray area of gambling law in Wisconsin. Transporting a gambling device into the state is unlawful.

Criminal Defense Law Firm with Offices in Milwaukee, Brookfield, and Madison

Alabama

Possession of gambling devices in Milwaukee or Madison may be legal depending on your circumstances. Gambling charges can range from ordinance violations to Class B misdemeanors and Class I felonies. You need experienced legal representation when you are charged with possession of a gambling device. Grieve Law’s team of award-wining attorneys can help you find what defenses you have. You may be able to fight or reduce your charges.

If you have been charged with possession of a gambling device, contact Milwaukee’s defense law firm for a consultation.

In Wisconsin, how long does a gambling device charge stay on your record?

For illegal operation of a gambling device, the felony in Wisconsin could lead to a $10,000 fine and a permanent listing on your record, among other penalties.