In every casino, a slot machine is a must if you want your customers to never get bored. Over 70% of casino revenue is gotten from slot machines. This is because slot machines are the most versatile option in the casino. It’s an ideal game for new gamblers who don’t have a lot of experience and for older gamblers who just enjoy the thrill and want a big payout. If you love playing slot games in casinos, you’ll be happy to know that you may be able to buy one in your home. However, whether you’re trying to buy one for personal use or you just want a new collectible, you can’t just walk into a store and buy a slot machine. There are several rules and regulations you must follow if you want to own a slot machine. These rules vary from place to place and even in the United States, there are different rules in each state.
What You Need To Know About Buying A Slot Machine In The United States
One thing you need to know about buying a slot machine is that there is a restriction involved. Depending on one where you live, you’ll need to be above a particular age before you can buy a slot machine whether it’s a used one or a new one. There are also some states that only allow people to purchase used slot machines. If you don’t meet the legal requirements, you can not buy a slot machine. If you want to buy a slot machine for personal use, you do not need a license. However, if it is illegal to buy a slot machine for personal use and let people use it commercially without a gaming license.
In each state, your ability to purchase a slot machine will depend on several factors but the most important factors are your age and the age of the machine. Below is a list you should look at before you try to buy a slot machine depending on your location:
- Slot Machines in Alabama
The gambling law in Alabama requires that anyone who wants to purchase a slot machine must be above the State’s legal gambling age. However, individuals are only legally allowed to buy Class II slot machines.
- Slot Machines in Hawaii
In Hawaii, people aren’t allowed to buy slot machines. If you are living in Hawaii and you want to buy one, you may need to relocate to avoid breaking the law.
- Residents of Alaska
The rules of purchasing slot machines in Alaska are similar to the Alabama rules. You must be above the legal gambling age of the state if you’re to purchase any slot machine at all. It is 100% legal to purchase any slot machine you want in Alaska.
- Residents of California
If you’re based in California, you will be allowed to purchase a slot machine for private use as long as the machine is older than 25 years.
- Residents of Arkansas
For Arkansas residents, all machines are legal for individual purchase as long as the person who is buying the machine is above the legal gambling age.
- Residents of Arizona
If you’re from Arizona and you intend to buy a slot machine, you need to be above the legal gambling age. This is expected but you’ll only be able to purchase machines that were created 25 years ago.
- Residents of Colorado
Anyone who wants to purchase a machine in Colorado has to make sure that the slot machine they are buying was created before the year 1984. They also need to be old enough to gamble according to the state of Colorado.
- Residents of Connecticut
In Connecticut, it is illegal for individuals to buy slot machines whether they are above 18 years or not. It also doesn’t matter when the machine was created. This isn’t a surprise because the State has strict gambling laws. Only certain forms of gambling are permitted and these forms must be licensed.
- Residents of Delaware
It is legal to buy a slot machine in Delaware. However, you must make sure that the machine you’re interested in was developed at least 25 years before the purchase date.
- Residents of the District of Columbia
In Colombia, gambling is legal and regulated. Individuals can decide to buy slot machines as part of their private collections. However, only machines that were made before 1952 can be purchased.
- Residents of Florida
Florida residents are allowed to buy slot machines as long as they are over 18 years, and the machine they are trying to buy is at least 20 years old.
- Residents of Georgia
If you’re from Georgia, you can add a machine to your collection if you want. All machines that were created before the year 1950 are available.
- Residents of Idaho
Buying a slot machine in Idaho is easy as long as the machine was developed before 1950. All you have to do is find a dealer and make a purchase.
- Residents of Illinois
Purchasing slot machines in Illinois is legal but this only applies to machines that were created before 1995.
- Residents of Indiana
If you want to buy a slot machine in Indiana, it needs to be at least 40 years old. Buying any machine that was developed less than 40 years before the date of purchase is illegal.
- Residents of Lowa
In Lowa, you can only buy slot machines that are 25 years or older from the day of purchase.
- Residents of Kansas
People in Kansas can only legally buy machines that were created before 1950.
- Residents of Kentucky
In Kentucky, buying slot machines is legal irrespective of the date it was created. The most important thing is that the buyer is above the gambling age.
- Residents of Lousiana
In Lousiana, anyone who is above the gambling age can buy a slot machine that is at least 25 years old.
- Residents of Maine
In Maine, you can buy a slot machine as long as you’re above 18 years. There are no restrictions regarding the age of the machine.
- Residents of Maryland
Maryland residents are legally allowed to buy slot machines that are up to 25 years.
- Residents of Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, buying slot machines is legal along as it was created 30 years before the day you decide to buy it.
- Residents of Minnesota
The gambling-friendly state of Minnesota places no age restrictions on buying slot machines.
- Slot Machines in Mississippi
In Mississippi, slot machines that are 25 years and older can be purchased by individuals.
- Slot Machines In Missouri
In Missouri, anyone above 18 years can buy a slot machine as long as the machine is more than 30 years old.
- Slot Machines in Montana and Nebraska
If you’re a resident of Montana or Nebraska, you will have to buy any slot machine that is at least 25 years old.
- Slot Machines in Nevada and New Hampshire
Just like in many other states on this list, you can only buy a slot machine that is 25 years old at least.
- Slot Machines in New Jersey And New Mexico
In New Jersey, you can only buy slot machines that were made before 1941. For New Mexico, the machine must be at least 25 years old.
- Slot Machines in New York and North Carolina
The machines need to be above 30 and 25 years respectively in these two places.
- Slot Machines in North Dakota, South Dakota And Ohio
In Ohio, all slot machines are legal for private purchase. In North Dakota, the machines need to be above 25 years. In South Dakota, you can only buy machines that were developed before 1941.
- Slot Machines in Oklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania
Residents of Oklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania can only buy machines that are more than 25 years old.
- Slot Machines in Rhode Island and South Carolina
in Rhode Island, all slot machine purchases are legal. The case is different for South Carolina which prohibits the purchase of slot machines entirely.
- Slot Machines in Tennessee, Texas, and Utah
If you live in Tennessee, you will not be allowed to buy slow machines. Those who live in Texas and Utah can buy any machine they want legally.
- Slot Machines in Vermont and Virginia
All machines made before 1954 are legal in Vermont. In Virginia, all machines are legal.
- Slot Machines in Washington and West Virginia
In the capital state, you can’t privately purchase a slot machine unless it is older than 25 years. In West Virginia, all slot machines are ripe for the picking.
- Slot Machines in Wisconsin and Wyoming
The Wisconsin and Wyoming law states that people can buy slot machines that are older than 25 years.
Bottom line
These are the slot machine regulations for all 50 states in the United States of America. Lawmakers make these restrictions for private ownership of slot machines to discourage people from buying them and using them for commercial purposes in the comfort of their homes thus evading treasuries. It’s also a good way to ensure the regulation of the gambling industry. If you want to buy a machine, you should do some research about the best places to buy it in the United States.