Coin Slot

Coin Slot Magazine - #076 - 1981 - June [International Arcade Museum]
Illlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllfllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllli
the members of the committee are the same ones with
whom you have already met.
status of gambling laws in our state. It does NOT, in any
way, make gambling legal.
•
"Ladies and Gentlemen,
I own a three store Piano and Organ company here in
Maryland. My stores are in downtown Baltimore, in
Severna Park and in Cockeysville. I own a home just
outside of Annapolis. But today I come to you to talk
The overwhelming number of machines are of
nickel denomination.The most that could be won on
one of these vintage machines is about $5. If I were to
play one of my machines for 3 hours and really be lucky
I might win $15. The largest single payout was 20
about my hobby.
nickels or $1. President Reagan in his first address to
As you know by now, I collect antique Slot Machines.
So that we are perfectly clear as to just what it is that
the country after his inaugaration told us that $1 in
we are talking about, please look at these machines.!
These machines are a unique part of historic Americana
and many are one of a kind, often priceless.
The legislation before you does not change our
existing laws. It simply provides that if a citizen is
arrested for the possession of a slot machine under
but to the 1930's and 40's.
the laws of the State of Maryland, that at his trial, if he
can PROVE two points,-One that the slot machine
was not used for gambling purposes AT ANY TIME
WHILE IN HIS POSSESSION and secondly that the
machine in question is indeed an antique - he is not in
violation of the gaming laws of the State.
In talking to many of you over the past weeks it
became clear to me that there are two concerns about
this legislation. Firstly:
WOULD THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION PRO
MOTE, SUPPORT OR ENCOURAGE GAMBLING?
Of course my position is that it would not. I support
that position with the following facts:
• This legislation does not, in any way, change the
1 Flip through the pictures I cited in "Slot Machines on Parade".
1960 was worth 36$ today. Here we refer not to 1960
•
Financially even the petty operator could not use
these 40 year old antiques due to their frail nature
anymore than one would drive a vintage antique car to
and from work.
• When I say slot machines many of you picture Las
Vegas or Atlantic City. I n Nevada and New Jersey such
machines will not be found as a general rule. They may
be seen on display. The value of such machines to
collectors such as myself is often greater than the cost
of the new video slots which are in use in casinos to
day.2 These electronic machines are more efficient,
can take heavy usage and are more secure from
cheating.
This brings me to the second concern voiced in
relation to this bill. It is a question that has been
phrased many ways but comes down to:
WHY ALLOW THE OWNERS OF THOUSANDS OF
THESE MACHINES, MANY OF WHOM ARE THE "BAD
GUYS," TO MAKE PROFITS BY ESCALATING THE
2Flip to pp. 192-193 in the same book.
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NIWOT, COLORADO
ANNOUNCES ITS NEXT QUARTERLY
COIN-OP AUCTION
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
1981
INCLUDING:
Slot Machines, Antique Arcade Games, Jukeboxes,
Trade Stimulators, Scales, Cash Registers, Casino
and antique Gambling Devices, Pinballs and related
furniture.
CONSIGNMENTS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
REASONABLE COMMISSION RATES
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© The International Arcade Museum
June 1981
•
NIWOT, COLORADO 80544
(303) 652-2499
http://www.arcade-museum.com/
THE COIN SLOT-31