Blackbeard’s Game is a Slot Machine

According to law enforcement officials, the games at Blackbeard’s Family Fun Center were a little too much like slot machines so they had to go. Not only is the slot machine gone, but to the chagrin of those who enjoyed playing it, but the establishment is also looking at a fine of $1,500 for having the machine in the first place.

Back in September, law enforcement officials seized the slot machine saying that it was too much like a Las Vegas style slot machine, and that the company had “violated gambling laws and the business and professions code.” The company argued that the machine was not a slot machine, that it was just for fun – but officials disagreed.

The center, located in Northeast Fresno, is mostly frequented by youths, so they were not looking to set up a slot machine gambling hall of any kind, it was just there for fun. However, it seems that the machine in question was actually once a slot machine that was located in a New Jersey casino. However, their attorney says that yes it looked and played like a slot machine, but unlike the regular slots this one did not pay out money – hence it was not illegal.

Prosecutors say differently. They say that they get tickets that can be redeemed for prizes, which makes it a slot machine. They say that it was a game of chance, not a game of skill, and thus it was a slot machine and it was illegal. Although this has happened before, where slot machines are converted to just for fun machines, this is the first time that one has come under fire.

Blackbeard’s has agreed to pay the fine, and has also agreed not to operate any chance type machines, or slot machines on the premises. They chose not to fight the ruling as they said it would only end up costing them more money and time than they were willing to spend.

Back to Monthly Archive // Main Slot Machine News Index