HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESB 5032

BYSenators Owen and Kreidler

Redefining what constitutes an antique slot machine.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Wang, Chair; Cole, Vice Chair; Fisch, Fisher, R. King, O'Brien, Patrick, Sanders, Sayan, C. Smith and Walker.

House Staff:Joan Elgee, (786-7166)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 15, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1977, the legislature provided that it is a defense in a prosecution for possession of a gambling device that the device involved is an antique slot machine, and was not operated for gambling purposes.

A conclusive presumption is established that a slot machine is an antique if it was manufactured prior to January 1, 1941.

SUMMARY:

The requirement that a slot machine be manufactured prior to 1941 to be entitled to the conclusive presumption that the machine is an antique is changed to a requirement that the machine was manufactured at least 25 years ago.

Antique slot machines may only be operated with coins provided at no cost by the owner or by free play.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Fred Abel, Slot Collectors & Antique Dealers.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Most antique slot machines are in private homes and are maintained for their entertainment and nostalgia value.  Changing the definition will make it easier to determine if a slot machine is legal.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.