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.
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- Where Can I Buy A Table Top Slot Machine 25 Cents
Where Do You Live?
It seems almost everyone has an eBay account, or at least knows someone who has one. EBay is a popular place to buy slot machines in an auction style. Because it’s eBay, you’ll probably find a greater selection than at many online stores.
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.
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.
Wantto play Wheel of Fortune without leaving the house? It might finally be time tobuy your own slot machine. It’s not always possible to be at the casino, butyou can bring some of the glamour home with you.
Slotmachines are having a bit of a moment. Retro chic has never been cooler and,just like arcade games and vintage jukeboxes, they make a great centerpiece andtalking point, as well as a unique addition to your games room.
Otherbenefits of buying your own slot machine include endless gaming any time youfeel like it, and the chance to get your skills up to scratch before your nextcasino vacation. And the best bit? It’s essentially free to play and the onlyperson who’ll bag your bucks at the end of the day is you.
Here’severything you need to know before you take the plunge…
WhereYou Can Buy a Real Slot Machine
Ifyou want to find slot machines for sale, the internet is your oyster. But thebest places to buy a real slot machine are dedicated and reputable retailers,distributors and manufacturers — people that know their stuff — either online,in a shop, or both!
Itall depends where you’re based: if you happen to be passing Las Vegas, andprefer to see your purchases up close, it could be worth doing the rounds atlocal pawn shops to dig out vintage casino gems.
Butdon’t worry if you’re not within driving distance of Sin City, there are alsoplenty of online options, and you can also scour websites that deal inpre-loved and second-hand goods.
To get started, visit a retailer like Slot Machines Unlimited, a well-known slot machine dealer and wholesaler based in the US. The family-run business sells used machines that are refurbished to order, and are exclusively for home entertainment purposes. You can find big names here like Bally and Konami, but they don’t come cheap — you can expect to fork out around $1,000 for one.
If you want to go straight to the source and have the dollar to afford a brand-new machine, you could try going directly to a slot provider.
Be aware that some may only deal with casinos directly, rather than individual orders. At the very least, researching these companies and their offerings may help you decide what you’re looking for.
Ifyou don’t want to spend that much on your personal slot machine, there areother avenues, too.
A quick search will reveal slot machines for sale on eBay, as well as on consumer-to-consumer sites like Craigslist, for varying but sometimes discounted prices. Just watch out for the weird items on Craigslist in your search…
Youcan also find an array of instant-buy options on Amazon, or even Etsy — butbeware that these are usually likely to be smaller replica or toy slots, ratherthan the real deal! If the price seems too good to be true, it is.
Onlinevs Auctions
So,is it better to buy online or at auction? Through a retailer or an individualseller? The choice is yours.
Thedifference is usually about one thing: money.
Witha company you’ll pay a premium, but benefit from a fixed price, a guarantee anda receipt.
Buyingthrough an auction website like eBay or an individual could see costs changedue to demand, goods that don’t live up to expectation or price tag, and alonger wait for the product you want to become available.
Asalways, with any big purchase, remember to factor in any shipping costs andmake sure you know the condition of the machine and trust the seller.
ThingsTo Consider When Buying A Real Slot Machine
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Weknow it’s more appealing to focus on the fun parts, but consider these pointsbefore your purchase:
- Size matters —real slot machines aren’tsmall.
Make sure you have enough space to give a ‘Big Bertha’ a good home, and alsothink about whether you’ll be able to receive delivery easily through yourdoors, corridors, stairs or elevator. - Where will you put it?
Consider whether you’ll keep it in the garage or the house, or in a communalspace or a private room if you don’t want to introduce younger family membersto gambling. As your machine may be expensive, safety and practicality may haveto come before interior design. - How much does it cost to buy a slot machine?
Think about your budget — what’s the maximum you’re willing to spend? Don’tforget to factor in those delivery costs, too, and any extra refurbishments youmay need. - Are you ready to make repairs if you need to?
As your slots will likely be second-hand, you’ll have to be prepared for amachine that’s not in mint condition. If refurbishment isn’t part of the deal,can you or someone you known install and repair it?
ChoosingYour Slot Machine
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Slotmachines come in all shapes and sizes. Think about what games you usually enjoyat the casino, whether you prefer vintage, antique and collectors’ items, orwhether you want a brand-new, shiny toy.
Itmay also come down to the style of your home, whether your decor has a classicfeel or you’re all about new technology.
Thereare pros and cons for both. If you think they don’t make them like they usedto, then a classic one-armed bandit may be the machine for you. Just be awarethat if you buy a single-coin machine it won’t accept bills. On the plus side,your credits will last longer.
Ifit’s greater variety you’re after and something with all the bells andwhistles, opt for a five-reel video slot machine or touch-screen technology instead.
Eitherway, make sure you get some paperwork with your purchase, especially if yourmachine is an antique.
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TheLegal Bit: The States Where You Are Allowed to Buy Slot Machines
Inthe US, shopping for a slot machine can be more complicated than expected. Itlargely depends on the state you are in, as a lot of states have control boardsand regulations to monitor gaming.
Nevadais unsurprisingly one of the ‘easiest’ states to buy and own a machine in,whether it’s for public or private use.
Thereare no restrictions on private ownership in the following states. You can buy andown a slot machine in:
- ✅Alaska
- ✅Arizona
- ✅Arkansas
- ✅Kentucky
- ✅Maine
- ✅Minnesota
- ✅Nevada
- ✅Ohio
- ✅Rhode Island
- ✅Texas
- ✅Utah
- ✅Virginia
- ✅West Virginia
Theseare the states in which private ownership of slot machines is completelybanned:
- ❌Connecticut
- ❌Hawaii
- ❌Nebraska
- ❌South Carolina
- ❌Tennesse
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Otherstates, such as Washington and California, have age restrictions on ownership.However, it’s always best to double check as laws are fluid.
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If you don’t have the space or money for your own machine, why not play some of the best online slots instead?