Pachinko parlors in the US

[shnetinka]

I know this has been discussed a lot in the forums but the more I dive into the hobby, the more I realize just how hard the legalities are around these machines.

For example, where I live in Washington state it is becoming clearer and clearer that any pachinko or pachislot that is less than 25 is illegal to own, let alone operate. I continue to search to find out if there is something I am missing but the state laws seem pretty clear and even specifically call out the machines pachinko and pachislo (skill stop) machines as being illegal gambling machines.

They also state that you can't operate them for coupons, prepaid cards, tokens coins or tickets. I have heard the argument that redemption arcade games would be gambling as well, and by definition that the state laws say, they very well should be, however they are clearly not as we have plenty of redemption arcades.

I read the laws in North Carolina, where pachinko world is and charging money for balls and redeeming them for prizes is also pretty obviously illegal in that state as well. However, they somehow are operating and it doesn't seem to be a problem for them.

The penalties in my state can be really severe. From seizure of machines, to seizure of any property that the machines are related to, which can include your house, the car you used to transport it, etc. etc.

I would love to set some games up in a public space, even for play for free or as japanese wall art, but that seems extremely risky. Has anyone here had any luck figuring out what is and isn't allowed in your state from anyone official, rather than from just trying to interpret the laws themselves?

[MrGneiss]

I have no helpful info, but this brought back lots of memories of people here trying to figure this stuff out more than a decade ago..I think I even remember some members that were lawyers..But I'm not sure anyone ever really got close to figuring out what was really legal where..We had lists and the dealers at the time had list of where stuff was legal, but I don't think they were ever totally right..

I used to look through Indiana laws trying to figure out stuff and all I think I ever learned was that even Pinball was still technically illegal here (oh, and that even between counties laws could be different!!) But pachis and pinballs were sold here with no problems..

And all these lists and info and discussion were mostly only about people just owning machines..I can't even imagine how much more complicated it gets when you start talking about parlors and stuff like that!!

Like I said, nothing useful, just remembering!!

I am glad that its been Many years since any members have had there machines taken by cops!!

[Redwizard000]

Red Dragon in Las Vegas has modern Pachinko machines.

6168 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89146

They don't have any prizes or anything like that though, you just pay $5 to play for an hour.

[hkp]

Are there any Chuckie Cheeze's in Washington state? If there are, they pay out 'winnings' in tickets that are redeemable for prizes. It's pretty much the same thing as someone winning prizes by cashing balls in. Maybe it's all about who gets paid off to give the "OK". I wonder if he law against owning, and/or operating a machine is akin to a 'Blue Law'?

[shnetinka]

Pachinko Machines and Pachislo machines are specifically called out by name in the Washington state laws as being illegal to own and they are classified as gambling machines. It's a real shame, as I've converted mine to take tokens and dispense tickets. Yet theoretically they are still called gambling machines. It's ridiculous but that's how it is. You can try to push your luck like the guys do at Pachinko World, as their state has the same issue, but they are taking the stance of "I'll fight them if they try to enforce". I am not sure I want to take that stance even though I think that any enforcement agent that sees how these are being used probably wouldn't even give it a second thought, it is a risk I'm not sure I'm willing to take.

[hkp]

I suppose gambling can only be legal if it's government sponsored like lottery, and OTB.

[LynnInDenver]

That I've seen, Colorado does have specifics for slot machines, that a private individual can only legally own machines that are from 1984 and earlier, and nothing specific for pachinko or pachislo. From what I can tell, the laws are specifically written the way they are to keep someone from trying to claim it's a "private collection" when they go after "back alley" gambling operations. One of these days, I might make an inquiry to the commission regarding private ownership of modern pachinko machines, but I'm expecting which side of the line it's on will depend entirely on who's answering, and hinges on the combination of not taking tokens, and the fact that it's only technically not gambling in Japan because of the way parlors have to be set up.

Do note that they do set up a "parlor" at Nan Desu Kan, $5 for a red Dixie of balls, and I haven't heard of any issues there yet.

[azlew]

Hello long time since I have been active here. I just want to mention that sometime soon I will post about a place I ran across that is opening up soon that has several pachinkos and will be as far as the info (sparse) I got from someone that works there : full play and prizes. I took two videos thru locked glass doors of two rows of the Pachinkos with all lights working on all the Pachinkos. I will post them on You Tube and then post the urls here somewhere soon.
For now I would like to say hello and see you again soon!

[quester]

Hello Azlew, just out of curiosity, what city is this place? if its in south Carolina, its the 2nd pachinko world, he posted it here a couple days ago, 1st pachinko world is in north carolina, Thanks

[azlew]

Hello Azlew, just out of curiosity, what city is this place? if its in south Carolina, its the 2nd pachinko world, he posted it here a couple days ago, 1st pachinko world is in north carolina, Thanks

No its not South Carolina or anywhere near it and it is not called Pachinko World. Having a bit of a problem getting the videos up on to youtube off my phone. I should have it posted here in a couple of days with a friends help.

[Meathead]

I also recall machines being taken and destroyed and the owners charged in CA. The gaming commission took two or three machines from a member here and he was also charged. The outcome was the destruction of his machines and a suspended sentence (no fine or jail time). I had several conversations with the member as he lived nearby and I had also just purchased machines. A short time later, ebay began putting a disclaimer and warning for both sellers and buyers regarding the sale of machines in certain states.

However, since then (and it has been at least ten years or more) I have heard nothing. The machines are readily available in CA on CL and I have successfully purchased and sold a number of them without concern.

If it is a personal collection, I would not have a concern at all about the machines in any of our states. But if you open a place of business and allow the public to use the machines, I think you'll likely have a problem in any state.

[shnetinka]

There was a recent pachinko place in CA that didn't last long and shut down with very little communication. I heard something about a lost lease, but the suddenness of it has me skeptical. Seems like Pachinko World either doesn't care or has gotten the blessing of not one but two states. Like I said before it's a crap shoot. You don't know what you are going to get when it comes to legislation. I am guessing it has something to do with the fact that there is no gambling in North Carolina, so therefore they don't have a commission making tons of money.

[azlew]

Here is a picture or two. Videos or Video coming soon....

[quester]

looks like that box on floor in middle is where all losing balls land, if there a full house, its going to fill fast

[azlew]

This is the only video that turned out decent. As the video description says this is in at the Laughlin River Lodge & Casino in Laughlin Nevada USA. It's on the lowest level in a specialized area called The Red Dragon. There are 4 casino areas overall in the Laughlin River Lodge Casino. Its really something to behold! :
https://youtu.be/CTbVzWL4C0Q

[Meathead]

Thanks, azlew! Great to see you back!

[shnetinka]

Must be related to the one that redwizard000 posted about on this thread back in October:

Red Dragon in Las Vegas has modern Pachinko machines.

6168 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89146

They don't have any prizes or anything like that though, you just pay $5 to play for an hour.

[azlew]

I tried to find out if they were associated with the Red Dragon in Las Vegas but no one knows that I talked to. Seems the owners of The Laughlin River Lodge Casino has all 4 casinos under one roof even one that is called Dottys and there is Dottys (several I think)in Las Vegas also.
When we were in Laughlin 2 weeks go we tried to get them to open up the room for us but they said they weren't ready yet even tho they were all lit and looked ready for play :-( The bartender there thought they were waiting for licensing. Not sure what that meant.

Anyway we plan to be back there in few weeks and I will update here if they are open for pay then and hopefully have videos galore!!

[hkp]

It could be that "the spirit of the law" is enforced, meaning that if it isn't used overtly for gambling, it will be overlooked. There is always a danger the zealous law enforcement individual looking to make a name for himself thought, because strictly speaking, they are technically still illegal.

[Meathead]

I think you're exactly right.