You can find as many objects to collect as you can find collectors, but some of the most interesting collectibles are slot machines. You can buy them used, but the legality of owning a gambling machine varies from state to state. This page takes a look at some of the issues involved in buying a used slot machine to start or expand a collection of your own.
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.
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- Know your limits and play within your budget. Not setting a gambling budget is perhaps one of the.
- Pubs are permitted machines defined as category C or D. Category C machines, often called AWPs (amusement with prizes), fruit machines, and one-armed bandits, have a maximum stake of £1 and a maximum prize of £70. The maximum stake and prize for category D machines depends on the type of machine.
The first thing you should understand is that no matter where you live, if you're using a slot machine to offer gambling to other people, you need a license. In some states, gambling is completely prohibited. Chances are you're an individual collector and don't have a gambling license, so don't let people gamble on your games unless you have a high risk tolerance for illegal behavior.
In some states, even collectors aren't allowed to own a used slot machine. These states include Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Ownership of slot machines, used or otherwise, is illegal in those states.
Other states have no legal restrictions on slot machine ownership as long as you're not using them to run a gambling business. These states include: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The other states have specific guidelines based on the age of the machine. For example, in California, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming, it's legal to own a slot machine as long as it's at least 25 years old. Other states have higher or lower age limits—in Florida you can own a slot machine as long as it's 20 years or older, but in Massachusetts, it has to be at least 30 years old. And still other states base it on what year the machine was built; in Illinois and Iowa, for example, it's only legal to own slot machines that were constructed before 1950.
To the best of my knowledge, this information is complete and accurate, but before buying your own used coin-op slot machine, you should check with local legal authorities to make sure you have the most up to date information. You should always obey the laws in whatever jurisdiction you reside.
What Kind of Dealer Are You Dealing With?
You'll find plenty of people selling used slot machines on the Internet. Many of these are third-party sellers. That means they don't offer slot machines directly; instead, they just take your order and then buy the slot machine from someone else and have it shipped to you. You'll often notice that these third party dealers use stock images or pictures that were stolen from direct dealers' websites.
Owning A Slot Machine In California
It's better to deal with a direct dealer when you can. These dealers will often offer a warranty on the machines they sell. They'll also be able to help you over the phone if you're having a problem operating your game. Third party dealers aren't able to offer you this level of service.
One way to be sure you're dealing with an actual dealer instead of a third party is to ask them if you're able to visit their showroom or warehouse. Third party dealers, for obvious reasons, don't have showrooms or warehouses.
What Kinds of Used Slot Machines CAN I Buy?
Most dealers offer reconditioned machines that have been retired from use in Las Vegas style casinos. Many of these are the same IGT (International Game Technology) manufactured games that you're used to seeing in the casino, only older and more primitive. Most dealers also provide replacement parts and repair services.
One thing to look for when considering buying a machine from a dealer is whether or not they use real glass or plexiglass. Real glass is superior as plexiglass fades over time. You can expect to pay a little more for a machine with real glass, but it's worth the extra cost. If you've ever seen a faded plexiglass screen on a used slot machine, you'll know what I mean.
Many of these games can be set up to enjoy on 'free play' mode. You don't have to insert any kind of money in order to play these games. You can even modify these games to pay out tickets.
Examples of some of the popular and well-known games available for sale on the Internet include titles like Cleopatra, Double Diamond, Munsters, Red, White, and Blue, Sizzling Senves, Tabasca, Texas Tea, and Wild Cherry slots. Many other titles are available besides these, but you'll recognize a lot of these brand names as still being available (albeit in newer models) in casinos today.
How Much Should I Spend?
Used slot machines are collectibles, and they're priced accordingly. Shipping is usually going to be expensive, too. You can probably expect to pay at least $600 for a good machine and $200 for shipping. Video slots will cost twice that or more, and you'll sometimes have the option of upgrading to a new LCD monitor when buying a video slot machine. Those are expensive, too–$400 or $500.
Other upgrades you can pay for include stereo sound packages, coin in coin out functionality, and/or backlit reels (on mechanical or electro-mechanical machines). These upgrades generally cost between $100 and $200 each.
Of course, these prices apply to relatively newer slot machines. Older antique slot machines can cost more or less. I've seen slot machines from the 1930s and 1940s that were beautifully refurbished for sale for as little as $325. Some of these older machines are barely recognizable as slot machines, but they make beautiful, conversation-worthy collections.
Conclusion
Buying a used slot machine can be a fun way to start a new hobby of collecting gaming machines, but do some research first. You want to make sure that it's legal to do so before you get started. You also need to do some research into dealers before spending any money. Avoid third-party dealers, and find a direct dealer with a warehouse who offers warranties and telephone customer support.
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. The third is for business use to generate revenue, most often in conjunction with a retail outlet and requiring a license from the local gaming authority.
Legal Ownership of Slots
Despite the popular belief that owning a slot machine is against federal law, there are no United States ordinances at all regarding slot machines. The matter is entirely a matter of local law, decided state by state, thirteen of which allow private ownership of all types of slots. They are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.
On the other hand, slot machines are completely illegal in eight states: Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Other states permit ownership with restrictions. For example, some U.S. states insist that the machines themselves be of a certain age. Slots made prior to 1950 can be legally owned in Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. The state of New Jersey draws the line at pre-1941; Vermont states that private slots must be pre-1954; and Colorado has its cut-off set at pre-1984.
Most of the other states insist that privately owned slot machines must be at least 25 years old. They include California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Washington, and Wyoming. However, the minimum age is 30 years in New York, Missouri, and Massachusetts, and it is 20 years in Florida.
Almost all jurisdictions limit ownership to individuals aged 21 or older. They state that machines must be intended for private, personal entertainment, not for gambling. A permit may be required if a machine is to be displayed in public. Regulations are always subject to change, too, so a bit of research is in order before anyone rushes off to order a personal slot machine.
Buying Slots
After confirming that buying and owning a slot machine is legal, the would-be owner has lots options available. Gambling suppliers or manufacturers offer machines in good operating condition. Their products may also come with a warranty or service agreement, so that maintenance will not be a concern. But machines sold by manufacturers will always be used, not new. The makers only offer new releases to casinos. The ones they sell to the public are 'retired' versions that their newer machines have replaced.
Many times machines are retired because they are not in good working order. Those are sold to vendors who will in turn refurbish them before offering them for resale. The best sources of reliable machines are distributors, suppliers or manufacturers who do their own refurbishing. Brokers may purchase and sell slots on the cheap, but they will be unable to guarantee functionality.
What Kind of Dealer Are You Dealing With?
You'll find plenty of people selling used slot machines on the Internet. Many of these are third-party sellers. That means they don't offer slot machines directly; instead, they just take your order and then buy the slot machine from someone else and have it shipped to you. You'll often notice that these third party dealers use stock images or pictures that were stolen from direct dealers' websites.
Owning A Slot Machine In California
It's better to deal with a direct dealer when you can. These dealers will often offer a warranty on the machines they sell. They'll also be able to help you over the phone if you're having a problem operating your game. Third party dealers aren't able to offer you this level of service.
One way to be sure you're dealing with an actual dealer instead of a third party is to ask them if you're able to visit their showroom or warehouse. Third party dealers, for obvious reasons, don't have showrooms or warehouses.
What Kinds of Used Slot Machines CAN I Buy?
Most dealers offer reconditioned machines that have been retired from use in Las Vegas style casinos. Many of these are the same IGT (International Game Technology) manufactured games that you're used to seeing in the casino, only older and more primitive. Most dealers also provide replacement parts and repair services.
One thing to look for when considering buying a machine from a dealer is whether or not they use real glass or plexiglass. Real glass is superior as plexiglass fades over time. You can expect to pay a little more for a machine with real glass, but it's worth the extra cost. If you've ever seen a faded plexiglass screen on a used slot machine, you'll know what I mean.
Many of these games can be set up to enjoy on 'free play' mode. You don't have to insert any kind of money in order to play these games. You can even modify these games to pay out tickets.
Examples of some of the popular and well-known games available for sale on the Internet include titles like Cleopatra, Double Diamond, Munsters, Red, White, and Blue, Sizzling Senves, Tabasca, Texas Tea, and Wild Cherry slots. Many other titles are available besides these, but you'll recognize a lot of these brand names as still being available (albeit in newer models) in casinos today.
How Much Should I Spend?
Used slot machines are collectibles, and they're priced accordingly. Shipping is usually going to be expensive, too. You can probably expect to pay at least $600 for a good machine and $200 for shipping. Video slots will cost twice that or more, and you'll sometimes have the option of upgrading to a new LCD monitor when buying a video slot machine. Those are expensive, too–$400 or $500.
Other upgrades you can pay for include stereo sound packages, coin in coin out functionality, and/or backlit reels (on mechanical or electro-mechanical machines). These upgrades generally cost between $100 and $200 each.
Of course, these prices apply to relatively newer slot machines. Older antique slot machines can cost more or less. I've seen slot machines from the 1930s and 1940s that were beautifully refurbished for sale for as little as $325. Some of these older machines are barely recognizable as slot machines, but they make beautiful, conversation-worthy collections.
Conclusion
Buying a used slot machine can be a fun way to start a new hobby of collecting gaming machines, but do some research first. You want to make sure that it's legal to do so before you get started. You also need to do some research into dealers before spending any money. Avoid third-party dealers, and find a direct dealer with a warehouse who offers warranties and telephone customer support.
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. The third is for business use to generate revenue, most often in conjunction with a retail outlet and requiring a license from the local gaming authority.
Legal Ownership of Slots
Despite the popular belief that owning a slot machine is against federal law, there are no United States ordinances at all regarding slot machines. The matter is entirely a matter of local law, decided state by state, thirteen of which allow private ownership of all types of slots. They are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.
On the other hand, slot machines are completely illegal in eight states: Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Other states permit ownership with restrictions. For example, some U.S. states insist that the machines themselves be of a certain age. Slots made prior to 1950 can be legally owned in Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. The state of New Jersey draws the line at pre-1941; Vermont states that private slots must be pre-1954; and Colorado has its cut-off set at pre-1984.
Most of the other states insist that privately owned slot machines must be at least 25 years old. They include California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Washington, and Wyoming. However, the minimum age is 30 years in New York, Missouri, and Massachusetts, and it is 20 years in Florida.
Almost all jurisdictions limit ownership to individuals aged 21 or older. They state that machines must be intended for private, personal entertainment, not for gambling. A permit may be required if a machine is to be displayed in public. Regulations are always subject to change, too, so a bit of research is in order before anyone rushes off to order a personal slot machine.
Buying Slots
After confirming that buying and owning a slot machine is legal, the would-be owner has lots options available. Gambling suppliers or manufacturers offer machines in good operating condition. Their products may also come with a warranty or service agreement, so that maintenance will not be a concern. But machines sold by manufacturers will always be used, not new. The makers only offer new releases to casinos. The ones they sell to the public are 'retired' versions that their newer machines have replaced.
Many times machines are retired because they are not in good working order. Those are sold to vendors who will in turn refurbish them before offering them for resale. The best sources of reliable machines are distributors, suppliers or manufacturers who do their own refurbishing. Brokers may purchase and sell slots on the cheap, but they will be unable to guarantee functionality.
Second-hand slot machines can also be purchased through auction sites via the Internet. There are numerous mail-order dealers, too. Buyers should expect list prices to range from a few hundred dollars for used three-reel mechanical slots to $3,500 for newer electronic versions that are still seen in casino play. Crating and shipping will add another $150 to $300 to the final price.
Maintaining Slots
Following delivery, a slot machine can be plugged right into a standard 120-volt home electrical outlet. The seller should have provided a key for opening the machine to fill its coin hopper and access its paper currency acceptor. Ideally, an operation and repair manual will be included as well.
Keeping a slot machine in working order is not rocket science. The most common problems are jammed bills going in or coins coming out. Using a computer keyboard aerosol spray to clean the mechanisms once every few months should prevent that from happening.
Owning A Slot Machine
Light bulbs and internal batteries need to be replaced occasionally. The items needed are available at just about any hardware store. The reel strips on which the slot symbols appear may become loose or detached—easily remedied by the application of a bit of clear packing tape.
For troubleshooting of a more serious nature, such as reprogramming or replacing computer chips, consulting a specialist may be required. Otherwise, the slot machine's reseller should be able to assist in replacing any broken parts or making repairs.
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