How to Buy a Slot Machine
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If the thought of owning your very own casino slot machine sounds exciting, keep reading. In this article, we discuss the ins and outs of buying a real slot machine you can use at home. We talk about where to find casino slot machines for sale, the legalities of owning a slot machine, and how much you might have to fork over to get a little piece of Vegas.
Why Buy a Slot Machine?
Slot machines are some of the most popular games on the casino floor. It’s hard to imagine any casino without rows of shiny slots just begging for you to make a bet and spin the reels.
If you love to play slots, but hate losing money, you can buy your own! That way you get to keep what you win, and what you lose, too. Not only that, they make a great addition to a basement bar set-up. There’s no better novelty item than a slot machine for your next poker night or football party.
Finally, if you don’t intend to play it at all, they still make for excellent vintage decor.
The Average Cost of a Slot Machine
Since there are tons of used slot machines on the market, it’s hard to pin down the average cost. You might pay anywhere from $500 to $30,000 or more, depending on the type of machine, where it’s from, or how old it is. If it’s a rare collectors item, the sky’s the limit.
It’s important to stay within your price range and do your research to make sure you’re getting the best deal for you.
Where to Buy a Slot Machine
A simple Google search will show you hundreds of listings for slot machines for sale. Depending on what you’re looking for, try searching for ‘real slot machines for sale’ or ‘vintage slot machines for sale’. These terms should give you a great starting point to see what comes up in your area.
You may be lucky enough to find someone selling one locally through Facebook Marketplace. eBay is another great place to find cheaper machines. If you’re in the market for a higher-end machine or collectible antique, you’ll likely have to find an auction house or broker.
Since a slot machine could be a high-ticket item, we recommend doing your homework. Get curious and ask the seller lots of questions before you finalize the transaction. You want to be sure you’re getting what’s advertised.
Owning a Slot Machine in the USA: Is It Legal?
The casino industry is heavily regulated. That’s why, when you play a slot machine at a casino, you know the games are fair. If second hand slot machines were allowed to be used commercially, there would be no way for you to know if the slot in the back room at Random Joe’s Bar was rigged. That’s why it’s illegal for small bars and pubs to own them.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with owning a slot machine for personal use. More than 40 states allow the sale and purchase of retired and reconditioned slot machines for your home.
Depending on which state you live in, there are different requirements for what machines you can purchase. If you’re in Alaska, it’s legal to buy any used slot machine. Other states aren’t so generous.
In many states, like Delaware or Iowa, the slots need to be at least 25 or 30 years old. In others, like New Jersey, you can’t own a slot machine made after 1941. There are currently 9 states where it’s illegal to own a used slot machine altogether.
A simple review of the gambling laws in your area should clear things up for you.
Making Money Off a Second-Hand Slot Machine
If you’re wondering if you can make some extra cash with your personal slot machine, the short answer is ‘no’.
Personal slot machines are really meant to be a fun collectors item and an enhancement to your man-cave. It’s a bit like hosting a poker night. If your friends want to come and play on your machine, you have to be upfront that it’s their money (hopefully not your friendship) at risk.
If you’ve always wanted to own your own slot machine, we hope this article has shown you it can be simpler than you thought! Do your research to discover what you want, seek out reputable dealers, and you could be on your way to playing your very own slots at home! Best of luck!
