Are You Legally Allowed to Own or Operate Slot Machines Outside of Casinos?
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If you own a business and want to enhance your entertainment features by installing something fun, a second-hand slot machine may prove to be a worthwhile investment. A brand new slot machine would be great, but the costs incurred in purchasing a new one can be considerably high.
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.
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
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.
State Laws for legal Slot Machine Ownership
GAMBLING DEVICE. You must understand that using a slot machine for profit or gambling purposes is illegal and could subject you to severe penalties. Before purchasing a slot machine you must understand that every state does not allow ownership of these machines. However, we suggest that you check with your local authorities. We assume no responsibility for errors.
Pachislo machines are also know as Skill Stop, or Japanese Slot Machines. You may see that some people will advertise these as being authentic slot machines and might even state ‘Like used in Vegas’. This is not the case though it is possible to set these machines up to accept US coins, they are designed to accept tokens. The listing indicates which states these Pachislo machines are legal to operate.
New Information: We believe there is a concern over the legalities of these Pachislo machines in the States of Colorado, California, Washington, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, North Dakota and Oregon
ALABAMA Any Machine PROHIBITED
ALASKA Any Machine LEGAL– Pachislo OK
ARIZONA Any Machine LEGAL–Pachislo OK
ARKANSAS Any Machine LEGAL, Registration Required.–Pachislo OK
CALIFORNIA 25 Years or Older or Slot Business Reg. W/DOJ
COLORADO Introduced pre-1984 or Slot Business Reg. W/DOJ
CONNECTICUT Any Machine PROHIBITED
DELAWARE 25 Years or Older–Pachislo OK
FLORIDA 20 Yrs. or Older or Slot Bus. Reg. W/DOJ –Pachislo OK
GEORGIA Pre – 1950
Tennessee Slot Machine Casino Gambling In 2020 | Professor Slots
HAWAII Any Machine PROHIBITED — Pachislo OK
IDAHO Pre – 1950 — Pachislo OK
ILLINOIS 25 Years or Older– Pachislo OK
INDIANA 40 Years or older — Pachislo OK (Law changed in 2012 to allow possession IC 35-45-5-3.5 Version a)
IOWA 25 Years or Older
KANSAS Pre – 1950– Pachislo OK
KENTUCKY Any Machine LEGAL– Pachislo OK
LOUISIANA 25 Years or Older– Pachislo OK
MAINE Any Machine LEGAL– Pachislo OK
MARYLAND 25 Years or Older– Pachislo OK
MASSACHUSETTS 30 Years or Older. Poker machines & Video gaming devices of any age are legal for personal use.– Pachislo OK
MICHIGAN 25 Years or Older– Pachislo OK
MINNESOTA Any Machine LEGAL– Pachislo OK
MISSISSIPPI 25 Years or Older
MISSOURI 30 Years or Older
MONTANA 25 Years or Older. Machines are not allowed to be on public premises for sale or display.
NEBRASKA Any Machine PROHIBITED
NEW HAMPSHIRE 25 Years or Older
NEW JERSEY 30 Years or Older– Pachislo OK
NEW MEXICO: We received a letter from the Gaming Control Board of New Mexico stating the following; The only gambling device that my be possessed without a license from the board is a bona fide antique device. An antique gambling device is a gambling device that is at least 25 years old, is substantially in original condition, and is not used for gambling or located in a gambling place. It is illegal to possess gambling devices otherwise, in New Mexico unless you are a distributor, manufacturer or operator licensed by the board. “This letter was dated August 2, 2000”.
NEW YORK 30 Years or Older– Pachislo OK
NEVADA Any Machine LEGAL. — Pachislo OK
NORTH CAROLINA 25 Years or Older
NORTH DAKOTA 25 Years or Older– Pachislo OK
OHIO Any Machine LEGAL– Pachislo OK
OKLAHOMA 25 Years or Older– Pachislo OK
OREGON 25 Years or Older — Pachislo OK only if the Pachislo machine is over 25 years old
PENNSYLVANIA Pre – 1941– Pachislo OK
RHODE ISLAND Any Machine LEGAL
SOUTH CAROLINA Any Machine PROHIBITED
SOUTH DAKOTA Pre – 1941
TENNESSEEAny Machine PROHIBITED– Pachislo OK
TEXAS Any Machine LEGAL– Pachislo OK
UTAH Any Machine LEGAL– Pachislo OK
Can I Own A Slot Machine
VERMONT Pre – 1954
Is It Legal To Own A Slot Machine?
VIRGINIA Any Machine LEGAL– Pachislo OK
WASHINGTON 25 Years or Older– Pachislo OK
WASHINGTON D.C. Pre – 1952
WEST VIRGINIA Any Machine LEGAL– Pachislo OK
Arkansas
WISCONSIN 25 Years or Older
Buying Slot Machines - Laws & Coin-Op Slot Machine Dealers
WYOMING 25 Years or Older