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?
International Game Technology PLC, formerly Gtech S.p.A. And Lottomatica S.p.A., is a multinational gaming company that produces slot machines and other gaming technology. 'Slots for Seniors' is high quality entertainment at its finest. All of our units are retired slot machines that have been used in actual casinos across North America. Our slot machines are very rugged, attractive and functional. The slot machines are stripped of all cash value mechanisms and restored as a source of entertainment for seniors. We carry all your favorite commercial grade arcade machines like Ms Pac-man Galaga/Frogger, and over 55 games in 1 machine, pinball machines and juke boxes that play 45's or CDs. Have a High School reunion,Wedding Reception,Birthday or Company Party coming up? Why not rent a machine from Home Game Arcade. Gambler's Oasis was founded on the principal of providing top quality casino slot machines and gaming devices to your home at the most reasonable price. Whether you want one slot machine or twenty slot machines, your home game room can become an oasis, a refuge, a haven for fun for you, your family and friends.
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
Home Gambling Machines
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.
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.
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?
International Game Technology PLC, formerly Gtech S.p.A. And Lottomatica S.p.A., is a multinational gaming company that produces slot machines and other gaming technology. 'Slots for Seniors' is high quality entertainment at its finest. All of our units are retired slot machines that have been used in actual casinos across North America. Our slot machines are very rugged, attractive and functional. The slot machines are stripped of all cash value mechanisms and restored as a source of entertainment for seniors. We carry all your favorite commercial grade arcade machines like Ms Pac-man Galaga/Frogger, and over 55 games in 1 machine, pinball machines and juke boxes that play 45's or CDs. Have a High School reunion,Wedding Reception,Birthday or Company Party coming up? Why not rent a machine from Home Game Arcade. Gambler's Oasis was founded on the principal of providing top quality casino slot machines and gaming devices to your home at the most reasonable price. Whether you want one slot machine or twenty slot machines, your home game room can become an oasis, a refuge, a haven for fun for you, your family and friends.
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
Home Gambling Machines
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.
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.
Where Do You Live?
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.
Home Gaming Machines
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. Wind creek casino poker schedule 2019. 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. Hoogste winkans casino. 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
Home Casino Machines
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.