How-To

How And Where To Buy A Real Slot Machine

By Brooke Keaton June 6, 2022

4 minute read

Slot machines are having a bit of a moment. Retro chic has never been cooler and, just like arcade games and vintage jukeboxes, they make a great centerpiece and talking point, as well as a unique addition to your games room.

There’s a lot to consider when buying one for your home, though.

From whether you’re legally allowed to own a gaming device in your state to finding a reputable seller, it’s not as simple as you might think.

Here’s everything you need to know before going all in.

Where You’re Legally Allowed To Own A Slot Machine

If you’re looking to buy a slot machine for your home, it’s essential that you do your research first.

It’s your responsibility as the buyer to check your state’s laws regarding gaming machine ownership – including any restrictions.

Most laws state that machines must be 25 years or older to use in your own home and are restricted to entertainment use only.

So if you were thinking of buying the latest slot release to set up a profitable casino from your own home, think again!

Here’s a list of all US states and their restrictions on owning a slot machine, however, it’s always best to double check as laws are fluid.

? Alaska	All machines legal
? Arizona	All machines legal
? Arkansas	All machines legal
? Kentucky	All machines legal
? Maine	All machines legal
? Minnesota	All machines legal
? Nevada	All machines legal
? Ohio	All machines legal
? Rhode Island	All machines legal
? Texas	All machines legal
? Utah	All machines legal
? Virginia	All machines legal
? West Virginia	All machines legal
? California	Machines 25 years or older
? Colorado	Machines manufactured pre-1984
? Delaware	Machines 25 years or older
? Florida	Machines 20 years or older
? Georgia	Machines manufactured pre-1950
? Idaho	Machines manufactured pre-1950
? Illinois	Machines 25 years or older
? Iowa	Machines 25 years or older
? Kansas	Machines manufactured pre-1950
? Louisiana	Machines 25 years or older
? Maryland	Machines 25 years or older
? Massachusetts	Machines 30 years or older
? Michigan	Machines 25 years or older
? Mississippi	Machines 25 years or older
? Missouri	Machines 30 years or older
? Montana	Machines 25 years or older
? New Hampshire	Machines 25 years or older
? New Jersey	Machines manufactured pre-1941
? New York	Machines 30 years or older
? North Carolina	Machines 25 years or older
? North Dakota	Machines 25 years or older
? Oklahoma	Machines 25 years or older
? Oregon	Machines 25 years or older
? Pennsylvania	Machines 25 years or older
? South Dakota	Machines 25 years or older
? Vermont	Machines manufactured pre-1954
? Washington	Machines 25 years or older
? Washington, DC	Machines manufactured pre-1952
? Wyoming	Machines 25 years or older
? Alabama	Prohibited
? Connecticut	Prohibited
? Hawaii	Prohibited
? Indiana	Prohibited
? Nebraska	Prohibited
? New Mexico	Prohibited
? South Carolina	Prohibited
? Tennessee	Prohibited
? Wisconsin	Prohibited

Where You Can Buy A Real Slot Machine

If you want to find slot machines for sale, the internet is your oyster.

The best places to look are the dedicated and reputable retailers, distributors and manufacturers — people that know their stuff — either online, in a shop, or both!

Spend a bit of time looking for somewhere trustworthy that has good reviews, like Slot Machines Unlimited or Gambler’s Oasis.

You can find big names here like Bally and Konami, but they don’t come cheap — you can expect to fork out between $1,000-5,000 on average per machine.

We’d suggest visiting a trusted slot machine retailer but if you don’t want to spend that much on your personal slot machine, there are other avenues too.

A quick search will reveal slot machines for sale on eBay, as well as on consumer-to-consumer sites like Craigslist, for varying but sometimes discounted prices.

Buying through an auction website or an individual runs the risk of not living up to expectations or price tag, so make sure you know the condition of the machine and trust the seller before committing to anything.

old slot machine — *One Twitter user was offering her old machine for free as it was in need of restoration, so just do your research and see what’s out there*.

You can also find an array of instant-buy options on Amazon, or even Etsy — but beware that these are usually likely to be smaller replica or toy slots, rather than the real deal!

If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Similarly, if it’s definitely not a toy machine and the price is still too good to be true, it’s likely a scam – so watch out.

That’s why it’s worth going for a reputable retailer or distributor. With a company you’ll pay a premium, but you’re also more likely to benefit from a fixed price, a guarantee, repair servicing, and a receipt.

Things To Consider

We know it’s more appealing to focus on the fun parts of buying your own slot machine, but consider these points before opening your walllet:

1. Cost

Think about your budget — what’s the maximum you’re willing to spend?

Don’t forget to factor in those delivery costs, too, and any extra refurbishments you may need.

2. Repairs and services

Are you ready to make repairs if you need to? As your slots will likely be second-hand, you’ll have to be prepared for a machine that’s not in mint condition.

If refurbishment isn’t part of the deal, can you or someone you know install and repair it?

3. Size

Slot machines are much larger (and louder!) than you realize.

Make sure you have enough space to house one and consider whether you’ll be able to receive delivery easily through your doors, corridors, stairs or elevator.

Equally you’re going to need strong flooring – they’re very heavy!