Laws regarding slot machines for home use. Learn more about owning a slot machine. Home Our Story Links Warranty. If you plan to re-sell these machines then PLEASE check with local authorities BEFORE you buy or sell these machines! No exceptions All other trademarks and copyrights are trademarks and copyrights of their respective owners. Chapter relating to slot machines, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 330b, if the defendant shows that the slot machine is an antique slot machine and was not operated for gambling purposes while in the defendant's possession. For the purposes of this section, the term 'antique slot machine' means a slot machine that is over 25 years of age.
In every casino, aslot machine is a must if you want your customers to never get bored.Over 70% of casino revenue is gotten from slot machines. This isbecause slot machines are the most versatile option in the casino.It’s an ideal game for new gamblers who don’t have a lot ofexperience and for older gamblers who just enjoy the thrill and wanta big payout. If you love playing slot games in casinos, you’ll behappy 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 anew collectible, you can’t just walk into a store and buy a slotmachine. There are several rules and regulations you must follow ifyou want to own a slot machine. These rules vary from place to placeand even in the United States, there are different rules in eachstate.
What You Need ToKnow About Buying A Slot Machine In The United States
One thing you needto know about buying a slot machine is that there is a restrictioninvolved. Depending on one where you live, you’ll need to be above aparticular age before you can buy a slot machine whether it’s a usedone or a new one. There are also some states that only allow peopleto purchase used slot machines. If you don’t meet the legalrequirements, you can not buy a slot machine. If you want to buy aslot machine for personal use, you do not need a license. However, ifit is illegal to buy a slot machine for personal use and let peopleuse it commercially without a gaming license.
In each state, yourability to purchase a slot machine will depend on several factors butthe 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 slotmachine depending on your location:
- Slot Machines in Alabama
The gambling law inAlabama requires that anyone who wants to purchase a slot machinemust be above the State’s legal gambling age. However, individualsare only legally allowed to buy Class II slot machines.
- Slot Machines in Hawaii
In Hawaii, peoplearen’t allowed to buy slot machines. If you are living in Hawaii andyou want to buy one, you may need to relocate to avoid breaking thelaw.
- Residents of Alaska
The rules ofpurchasing slot machines in Alaska are similar to the Alabama rules.You must be above the legal gambling age of the state if you’re topurchase any slot machine at all. It is 100% legal to purchase anyslot machine you want in Alaska.
- Residents of California
If you’re based inCalifornia, you will be allowed to purchase a slot machine forprivate use as long as the machine is older than 25 years.
- Residents of Arkansas
For Arkansasresidents, all machines are legal for individual purchase as long asthe person who is buying the machine is above the legal gambling age.
- Residents of Arizona
If you’re fromArizona and you intend to buy a slot machine, you need to be abovethe legal gambling age. This is expected but you’ll only be able topurchase machines that were created 25 years ago.
- Residents of Colorado
Anyone who wants topurchase a machine in Colorado has to make sure that the slot machinethey are buying was created before the year 1984. They also need tobe old enough to gamble according to the state of Colorado.
- Residents of Connecticut
In Connecticut, itis illegal for individuals to buy slot machines whether they areabove 18 years or not. It also doesn’t matter when the machine wascreated. This isn’t a surprise because the State has strict gamblinglaws. Only certain forms of gambling are permitted and these formsmust be licensed.
- Residents of Delaware
It is legal to buy aslot machine in Delaware. However, you must make sure that themachine you’re interested in was developed at least 25 years beforethe purchase date.
- Residents of the District of Columbia
In Colombia,gambling is legal and regulated. Individuals can decide to buy slotmachines as part of their private collections. However, only machinesthat were made before 1952 can be purchased.
- Residents of Florida
Florida residentsare 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 fromGeorgia, you can add a machine to your collection if you want. Allmachines that were created before the year 1950 are available.
- Residents of Idaho
Buying a slotmachine in Idaho is easy as long as the machine was developed before1950. All you have to do is find a dealer and make a purchase.
- Residents of Illinois
Purchasing slotmachines in Illinois is legal but this only applies to machines thatwere created before 1995.
- Residents of Indiana
If you want to buy aslot machine in Indiana, it needs to be at least 40 years old. Buyingany machine that was developed less than 40 years before the date ofpurchase is illegal.
- Residents of Lowa
In Lowa, you canonly buy slot machines that are 25 years or older from the day ofpurchase.
- Residents of Kansas
People in Kansas canonly legally buy machines that were created before 1950.
- Residents of Kentucky
In Kentucky, buyingslot machines is legal irrespective of the date it was created. Themost important thing is that the buyer is above the gambling age.
- Residents of Lousiana
In Lousiana, anyonewho is above the gambling age can buy a slot machine that is at least25 years old.
- Residents of Maine
In Maine, you canbuy a slot machine as long as you’re above 18 years. There are norestrictions regarding the age of the machine.
- Residents of Maryland
Maryland residentsare 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 beforethe day you decide to buy it.
- Residents of Minnesota
Thegambling-friendly state of Minnesota places no age restrictions onbuying slot machines.
- Slot Machines in Mississippi
In Mississippi, slotmachines that are 25 years and older can be purchased by individuals.
- Slot Machines In Missouri
In Missouri, anyoneabove 18 years can buy a slot machine as long as the machine is morethan 30 years old.
- Slot Machines in Montana and Nebraska
If you’re a residentof Montana or Nebraska, you will have to buy any slot machine that isat least 25 years old.
- Slot Machines in Nevada and New Hampshire
Just like in manyother states on this list, you can only buy a slot machine that is 25years old at least.
- Slot Machines in New Jersey And New Mexico
In New Jersey, youcan only buy slot machines that were made before 1941. For NewMexico, the machine must be at least 25 years old.
- Slot Machines in New York and North Carolina
The machines need tobe above 30 and 25 years respectively in these two places.
- Slot Machines in North Dakota, South Dakota And Ohio
In Ohio, all slotmachines are legal for private purchase. In North Dakota, themachines need to be above 25 years. In South Dakota, you can only buymachines that were developed before 1941.
- Slot Machines in Oklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania
Residents ofOklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania can only buy machines that aremore than 25 years old.
- Slot Machines in Rhode Island and South Carolina
in Rhode Island, allslot machine purchases are legal. The case is different for SouthCarolina which prohibits the purchase of slot machines entirely.
- Slot Machines in Tennessee, Texas, and Utah
If you live inTennessee, you will not be allowed to buy slow machines. Those wholive in Texas and Utah can buy any machine they want legally.
- Slot Machines in Vermont and Virginia
All machines madebefore 1954 are legal in Vermont. In Virginia, all machines arelegal.
- Slot Machines in Washington and West Virginia
In the capitalstate, you can’t privately purchase a slot machine unless it is olderthan 25 years. In West Virginia, all slot machines are ripe for thepicking.
- Slot Machines in Wisconsin and Wyoming
The Wisconsin andWyoming law states that people can buy slot machines that are olderthan 25 years.
Bottomline
These are the slotmachine regulations for all 50 states in the United States ofAmerica. Lawmakers make these restrictions for private ownership ofslot machines to discourage people from buying them and using themfor commercial purposes in the comfort of their homes thus evadingtreasuries. It’s also a good way to ensure the regulation of thegambling industry. If you want to buy a machine, you should do someresearch about the best places to buy it in the United States.
Introduction to Ohio Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2020
Ohio slot machine casino gambling consists of eleven casinos. Four are stand-alone casinos with table games while seven casinos are pari-mutuel racinos with horse tracks and simulcast betting.
Ohio casinos have a minimum theoretical payout limit. Return statistics are publicly available.
This post continues my weekly State-By-State Slot Machine Casino Gambling Series, an online resource dedicated to guiding slot machine casino gambler to success. Now in its third year, each weekly post reviews slots gambling in a single U.S. state, territory, or federal district.
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Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Ohio*
The minimum legal gambling age in Ohio depends upon the gambling activity:
- Land-Based Casinos: 21
- Poker Rooms: 21
- Bingo: 18
- Lottery: 18
- Pari-Mutuel Wagering: 18
In 1933, an approved constitutional amendment legalized pari-mutual wagering at racetracks. The 1970s saw the arrival of the lottery and charity bingo. Social poker games have always existed, but the house must not profit from the game.
The original operators of Ohio’s four stand-alone casinos backed a proposed constitutional amendment. In November 2009, 52% of voters approved the constitutional amendment allowing one casino in the cities of:
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Toledo
In addition to the usual fees and taxes imposed on Ohio businesses, the constitutional amendment required or specified:
- A 33% tax on gross casino revenue
- Distribution of the proceeds of the tax
- A license fee of $50 million per casino dedicated to workforce development
- An initial capital investment of $250 million for the development of each casino facility
- The existence of the Ohio Casino Control Commission
- The Ohio General Assembly would pass other laws to facilitate the operation of the casino gaming amendment
- A maximum of 5,000 slot machines at each casino facility
- There is no limit on the number of table games allowed
Subsequent changes in state lottery legislation allowed pari-mutual racetracks to begin offer video lottery terminal (VLT) style slot machines in 2012. These were the first racinos in Ohio.
*The purpose of this section is to inform the public of state gambling laws and how the laws might apply to various forms of gaming. It is not legal advice.
Slot Machine Private Ownership in Ohio
It is legal to own a slot machine privately in the state of Ohio without restriction as to its date of manufacture.
Gaming Control Board in Ohio
In 2009, a constitutional amendment created the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Its website is comprehensive but only applies to slot machine casino gambling at Ohio’s four stand-alone casinos.
In 1973, a constitutional amendment established the Ohio Lottery Commission. The Ohio Lottery eventually became responsible for and controls video slot machines found at Ohio’s seven racinos. These pari-mutuel racetracks began adding VLT-style slot machines starting in 2012.
The state gaming commission offers significant resources for slots enthusiasts besides return statistics. For instance, enforcement provides quarterly and fiscal year gaming crimes and statistics including offenses by statute.
Casinos in Ohio
There are four commercial casino resorts and seven commercial pari-mutuel racetracks with simulcast betting as well as slot machines in Ohio.
The largest casino in Ohio is Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs with 2,386 gaming machines in February 2020.
The second-largest casino is MGM Northfield Park with 2,183 gaming machines in February 2020.
Commercial Casinos in Ohio
The four casino resorts in Ohio are:
- Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati found in downtown Cincinnati located 106 miles southwest of Columbus along the Ohio River near the borders of Kentucky and Indiana.
- Hollywood Casino Columbus in Ohio’s capital of Columbus.
- Hollywood Casino Toledo found 140 miles north of Columbus near the border to Michigan.
- JACK Cleveland Casino found 144 miles northeast of Columbus near Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland.
The seven pari-mutual racetracks with VLT-style slot machines in Ohio are:
- Belterra Park found 10 miles southeast of downtown Cincinnati on the Ohio River.
- Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs found 11 miles south of downtown Columbus.
- Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway found 59 miles north of Cincinnati.
- Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley Race Course in Youngstown found 68 miles southeast of Cleveland.
- JACK Thistledown Racino in North Randall found 16 miles southeast of Cleveland.
- MGM Northfield Park found 18 miles southeast of Cleveland.
- Miami Valley Gaming in Lebanon found 30 miles north of Cincinnati.
Tribal Casinos in Ohio
Ohio has no tribal casinos as no federally-recognized American Indian tribes exist in this state.
Other Gambling Establishments
As an alternative to enjoying Ohio slot machine casino gambling, consider exploring casino options in a nearby state. Bordering Ohio is:
- North: Michigan Slots and Lake Erie
- East: Pennsylvania Slots
- Southeast: West Virginia Slots
- South: Kentucky Slots
- West: Indiana Slots
Each of the links above will take you to my blog for that neighboring U.S. state to Ohio.
Our Ohio Slots Facebook Group
Are you interested in sharing and learning with other slots enthusiasts in Ohio? If so, join our new Ohio slots community on Facebook. All you’ll need is a Facebook profile to join this closed Facebook Group freely.
There, you’ll be able to privately share your slots experiences as well as chat with players about slots gambling in Ohio. Join us!
Payout Returns in Ohio
Ohio’s Gaming Control Act section 3772.20 states that the minimum theoretical payout is 85% for slot machines at Ohio’s casino resorts. This same payout limit applies to slot machines at Ohio’s racetracks with slot machines thanks to the Ohio Lottery’s Video Lottery Game Rules.
Ohio’s five stand-alone casino resorts have return statistics publicly available from the Ohio Gaming Commission. However, Ohio’s seven racetracks with slot machines have their return statistics available from the Ohio Lottery. Both sources offer return statistics by:
- Month
- Casino
- State-wide
In February 2020, Monthly Casino Revenue Reports from the Ohio Gaming Commission shows return statistics for the four casino resorts were:
- State-Wide: 91.82%
- Hard Rock Cincinnati: 92.03%
- Hollywood Columbus: 92.06%
- Hollywood Toledo: 90.97%
- JACK Cleveland: 92.29%
The highest return for casino resorts went to JACK Cleveland at 92.3% while the lowest went to Hollywood Toledo at 91.0%.
In February 2020, VLT Fiscal Revenue Reports from the Ohio Lottery shows return statistics for the seven racinos were:
- State-Wide: 90.79%
- Belterra Park: 90.90%
- Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs: 90.48%
- Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway: 90.71%
- Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley Race Course: 90.20%
- JACK Thistledown Racino: 90.64%
- MGM Northfield Park: 90.97%
- Miami Valley Gaming: 91.31%
The highest return for racinos went to Miami Valley Gaming at 91.3% while the lowest went to Hollywood Mahoning Valley at 90.2%. Overall, JACK Cleveland had the best return of any casino or racino in Ohio while Hollywood Mahoning Valley had the lowest.
Summary of Ohio Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2020
Ohio slot machine casino gambling consists of eleven casinos operating under two gaming commissions. These casinos include four stand-alone casino resorts regulated by the Ohio Gaming Commission and seven racinos with pari-mutuel wagering and video-lottery-terminal (VLT) style slot machines regulated and controlled by the Ohio Lottery.
The minimum theoretical payout limit at all Ohio casinos is 85%. Each gaming control board offers monthly return statistics which are publicly available.
Annual Progress in Ohio Slot Machine Casino Gambling
In the last year, JACK Cincinnati has officially switched ownership to Hard Rock Cincinnati. Further, in Cincinnati over the last year, Boyd Gaming operates Belterra Park after this racino’s purchase in late 2018.
Related Articles from Professor Slots
Other State-By-State Articles from Professor Slots
Private Slot Machine Ownership Companies
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Have fun, be safe, and make good choices!
By Jon H. Friedl, Jr. Ph.D., President
Jon Friedl, LLC