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Internet gaming becoming a REALITY A


games. Nevada’s legislated 6.7 percent tax fee will come solely from online poker casinos. The race is on to see which state begins operations first.


attempting to link arcade operations and video games to in- state gambling and the recent mass Connecticut school shootings. Some Congressional members are again introducing placing controls on video game violence through legislative action. The two most intrusive scenarios include:


Attacks from all sides M


fter years of controversy, Internet gaming is closer to reality. In December, 2011, the federal Department of Justice (DOJ) changed its policy/definition of online gaming. Potential opportunities exist for states to legalize Internet poker and other online betting programs. Although tiny Delaware passed legislation last year, the two big players-Nevada and New Jersey competed for to be first in 2013. Nevada


Governor Brian Sandoval put pen to paper on February 21; Governor Chris Christie did the same for New Jersey on February 26. Christie required a 10-year trial and “upped” the tax to 15 percent. New Jersey’s legislation permits online slots, blackjack and other table


INTERNATIONAL NEWS - USA


ultiple legislative attacks on American coin-op could devastate operators in several states. Legislatures are


Georgia: If passed, House Bill 487 will divide amusement devices into


two classes-Class A amusement machines that accept coins, currency and credit cards. These includes jukeboxes, pinball machines, bowling machines, crane (claw) machines, pushers, videogames, arcade novelties, soccer tables and numerous other amusement industry classifications. Class B amusement poker, redemption and other machines


permit point accumulation or award merchandise or certificates. A centrally connected computer would monitor all Class B machines for accounting purposes. No licensed poker, risk-reward or redemption games operator could own part of an amusement manufacturer or distributor, possibly impacting Georgia amusement


operators/distributors. HB 487 would also regulate, license and tax all amusement devices and jukeboxes, plus mandate Georgia operators purchase a $500 to $5,000 master license.


Annual Class A “location license fees” would cost $25 per machine; $125 per Class B machine, with


written contracts required at all locations. The bill calls operating these private legitimate businesses a “privilege and not a right.”


Spring Amusement Expo


L


ast month’s Amusement Expo in Las Vegas revealed slight attendance decreases. Total


attendance was 2,825. Compared to 2012, there were 121 exhibitors, down nine, occupying 356 booths, down. The expo again co-located with the National Bulk Vending Association’s (NBVA) 18 exhibitors in 42 booths; the 244 show attendees were only seven fewer from 2012. Buyer registration totaled 1,292, down about 32; non-buyer attendance was 1,533, the same as in 2012.


Florida: House Bill (HB) 155, approved in the Florida House on March 22, changes the definition of slot


machines and other gaming devices that offer a player the chance to win money. Lawmakers view this language change as helping them close a loophole that has facilitated the growth-to now more than 1000-and profitability of Internet cafés in Florida. Although the bill’s intent was to crack down on Internet gaming centers, many operating illegally, the language will hit the very core of many coin-op amusement operations. The legislation’s wording also significantly impacts the legitimate amusement category by


prohibiting any prize-awarding machines from accepting bills or smart cards. It also bars them from awarding gift cards or prizes with a value over 75¢. In addition, other operations deemed illegal include adult arcades, redemption games and skill


cranes, to name a few. The bill could also affect amusement-only games like video, which could threaten the viability of tournaments, and pinball by limiting the amount of free credits allowed. Because of Florida’s numerous tourist parks and attractions, industry leaders worry about the major amusement chains and independent family entertainment centers. After millions spent on installation, card readers would no longer be legal to use on redemption equipment, which is the majority of games in these locations.


THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF THE AMUSEMENT AND STREET GAMING INDUSTRY APRIL 2013 21


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