There are legal implications if you’re thinking about buying a slot machine. In 41 states, it is legal to own a used slot machine, but in nine states: Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennesse and Wisconsin, it is 100 percent illegal. Kansas has laws against the age of slot machines that can be owned by residents. Any slot machine in Kansas that was manufactured before 1950 is legal to own in this state. But on the other side. Under Kansas law, machines are illegal if they have three elements: prize, chance and consideration. Consideration is the cash wagered in the machine and the commercial and financial advantage.
US players still have great online slot options. Here's a list of three top-ranked online casinos with great slot machine games and promotions, plus these casinos have the following benefits in common as well:
- Instant credit card deposits.
- Mobile-compatible.
- Top quality software.
- 24/7 customer support.
- Bonus: 100% up to $5,000.
- Fantastic mobile casino.
- Quick cashouts.
- Ran by the team behind 'Bodog' brand.
Is It Legal to Play Online Slots in the USA?
Playing online casino games such as slot machines is legal in the United States of America on a federal level. The UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) has made it difficult to process payments, though, since it makes it illegal for banks to process online gambling payments.
But no federal laws prohibit playing online casino games in the US.
For many years it was believed that the Wire Act of 1961 would make online poker and casino games illegal, however, in 2011 the Department of Justice clarified that it only applies to sports betting. (The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals had already ruled this way in 2001 but the DOJ maintained its stance until 2011.)
Playing USA real-money online slots is therefore legal unless your state law prohibits it. Each state has its own gambling laws so the legality of online slots in the USA varies from state to state, depending on which one you live in.
States like Arkansas, Kentucky, Utah and Washington have strict laws against gambling or online gambling in particular. With many other states, it's a matter of how you interpret the laws that either define gambling in a vague way or fail to mention online gambling at all.
Can USA Players Deposit and Withdraw Money?
The only deposit method that works across the board at Best Online Casinos is card deposits; whether it be credit, debit or gift card. VISA-branded cards have the highest success rates, some casinos accept Mastercard and American Express deposits as well.
Should you deposit with a pre-paid debit card (such as Netspend) or a gift card, make sure the card is good for online and international purchases, otherwise it has no chance of working. MoneyGram® can be used to fund your account at USA slot casinos as well.
Check withdrawals are commonly used for money cashouts - unfortunately check cashouts can take weeks to be delivered to you. If MoneyGram® were available as deposit methods, they can likely be used to withdraw money as well. They process withdrawals in a matter of days.
Are US Players Eligible for Bonuses?
US customers receive welcome and reload bonuses just like players from other countries (although naturally US players only receive bonuses from casinos that allow US citizens to play slots for real money). The only bonuses that USA real-money slots players miss-out on are the ones that require a certain deposit method to be used; for instance, a casino might have a promotion where players receive an extra 20% deposit bonus for depositing with Neteller or Skrill.
Since American slots players only have credit, debit or gift card deposits and money transfers available as deposit methods, casinos rarely offer extra bonuses for using them (they're the only options anyway). Similarly United States online slot players are eligible for loyalty programs such as casino cashback or Slot Club memberships.
Updated on January 2, 2020.
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.
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.
Is It Legal To Own A Slot Machine In Tennessee
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