Michigan Rep. Cynthia Neely has proposed legislation that makes it a felony to operate illegal slot machines in the state. The bill, while well-intentioned, could have an unforeseen outcome, making it a crime for kids to play arcade games at entertainment venues such as Chuck E. Cheese.
Pechanga.net cited the language of the bill, which defines slot machines as “any mechanical, electrical, electromechanical or other device, contrivance or machine that, on insertion of a coin, token or similar object, or on payment of any consideration, is available to play or operate.
“The play or operation of the slot machine, whether by reason of skill of the operator or application of the element of chance, or both, may deliver to or entitle the person playing or operating the machine to receive cash, premiums, merchandise, tokens, or anything of value, whether the payoff is made automatically from the machine or in any other manner.”
If enacted without amendment, the legislation would make games at Chuck E. Cheese, Skee-Ball games, and other harmless entertainments subject to shut-down and legal repercussions.
“This bill is a classic example of politically caused unintended consequences,” Steve Delie, director of labor policy at the Mackinac Center, told Michigan Capitol Confidential. “The definition is so broad, it would outlaw what is clearly recreational activity. Unless the Michigan legislature wants to make it a felony for kids to play at the arcade, the proposed law should be seriously amended or scrapped altogether.”
Last year, the state gaming control board promised to crack down on unregulated slots, which pay no taxes, that are cropping up in bars, restaurants, gas stations and convenience stores. According to the Detroit Free Press, with the exception of lottery terminals, slot machines are only allowed in casinos.
