C.O.C.A. Times

How They Made Slot Machines Legal?
by Johnny Duckworth
Back at the turn of the last century a big problem for the manufacturers of slot machines was how to
make them legal to operate in "questionable" locations. After much thought and considerable time and
expense they came up with many innovative methods to circumvent the written laws of that day and place
their mechanical works of art in just about every possible location imaginable. In the late 1890's several of
the biggest slot machine manufacturers hit upon the bright idea of incorporating the use of fine Swiss music
boxes in the ornate cabinetry of their best selling gambling machines. The theory was that if you received
a service for each coin played into their machine you were not gambling you were receiving a "value" for
each coin spent. If you happened to be so fortunate as to win and receive money back from the machine on
a rare occasion, well you were sharing in the profits of the operator who so generously placed that machine
on location. Thus was born the legal concept of "The profit sharing machine." Throughout much of the
country this "legal" concept held up for over three decades and slot machines were tolerated in some of the
most conservative communities. All types of products and services were tried out by the manufacturers, but
truly the most fascinating to this day is the Victorian style of what has become to be known as "The MUSI-
CAL UPRIGHT." These highly ornate predecessors to the three reel slot machine could be found anywhere
from the seediest of sawdust gambling halls to the most elegant hotels and bar rooms of their day.
Wonderful stories abound of the days when the gold miners and cowboys came into town to whoop it up
and blow off some steam in their favorite watering hole. What was waiting for them sitting right next to
the bar along with the saloon gals with a wink in their eye? The most intriguing mechanical marvel to ever
be seen or heard. For a nickel the thirsty player could take a chance at winning more money that he could
earn in a week and also be assured of hearing the sweetest music that his ears had ever known. It's been
told more than once that the lovely ladies employed by the gambling establishment would be more than
happy to dance up on the tables and display their wares in a provocative manner as long as the sweet music
played from the talented floor machines. Eager fingers kept the supply of nickels pumped into the ornate
coin heads of the musical uprights until the ladies were totally exhausted or the establishment had to close
for the night.
Mills Music Chicago ( oak)
Mills Music C ... (Mahg.)
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Mills Musical Judge