California Slot Machine Laws

The one thing that you can know for sure is that the Indian Gaming Act is what enables a location in California to have slot machines, so if you see any of those (whether or not there are tables) you know that you are in a tribal casino. A good example of a traditional California card room is Bay 101. CA Penal Code § 330.7 (2017) (a) It shall be a defense to any prosecution under this 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. Slot machines before 1952 are legal for sale in District of Columbia. Slot machines of 20 years and older are legal for sale in Florida. In Idaho, Georgia, Kansas, you can get machines that have been made before 1950. Vermont state offers slots that were developed before 1954. Indiana offers slot machines that are 40 years and older. A functioning slot machine is generally illegal to possess, as well as to fix and to transport in the State of California. Look at California Penal Code section 330 and the subsequent paragraphs. This answer is for guidance only and is not intended nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.

• Casino Gambling: Legal
• Poker: Legal
• Horse Racing Betting: Legal
• Lottery: Legal
• Daily Fantasy Sports: Legal
• Charitable Gaming: Legal
• Social Gambling: Legal
• Online Gambling: Unspecified

California gambling law is among the most liberal in the country, outside of New Jersey and Nevada. As a frontier state, California has a long history with gambling, both regulated and unregulated. Because California's population swelled during the 20th century, it's now one of the most influential states in America. What happens in California tends to start a national conversation. That's why it's good news for gamblers that the state is headed increasingly in the direction of full legalization.

California Slot Machine Laws Against

It wouldn't be off the mark to suggest that California's size (both in area and population) was instrumental in its becoming a generally-liberal state. Californians can place legal wagers across a variety of markets, are allowed to host private games, and are among the most loyal purchasers of state and national lottery games.

Not only do people in the Golden State enjoy a relaxed atmosphere toward gambling law, the California criminal code hands out pretty light penalties for offenses related to gambling. A person's first offense is almost always a low-grade misdemeanor charge, similar to a traffic ticket. The entire attitude of law enforcement towards gambling in the state has an air of 'decriminalization' about it. A combination of wide legalization of gaming and softened penalties for betting infractions means the state is pretty 'hands-off' about gambling.

When you take a look at the key gambling states for the state of California, you get an idea of just how big the state is. Lots of people, lots of money exchanging hands, and lots of interest in the gambling industry. Though some of the state's existing restrictions have kept gambling from becoming the mega-business it might be in the Golden State, namely laws against certain table games and certain ways of gambling, the state still does brisk business in terms of gaming tax revenue.

California Slot Machine Laws Games

If you're a little confused by some of those stats, you're in good company. California isn't home to any proper commercial casinos, but it's saturated with card rooms and tribal venues. It's an unusual setup for a US state outside of the south. California's gambling law is pretty liberal, but that lack of commercial casinos should be a clue – it's also very complicated.

(a) It shall be a defense to any prosecution under this 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.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 335a, whenever the defense provided by subdivision (a) is offered, no slot machine seized from a defendant shall be destroyed or otherwise altered until after a final court determination that the defense is not applicable. If the defense is applicable, the machine shall be returned pursuant to provisions of law providing for the return of property.

(c) It is the purpose of this section to protect the collection and restoration of antique slot machines not presently utilized for gambling purposes because of their aesthetic interest and importance in California history.

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 183, Sec. 268. Effective January 1, 2005.)

Wisconsin Slot Machine Laws

Last modified: October 25, 2018