Recently the Washington State Gambling Commission adopted new regulations aimed at reining in puzzle machines that are often found in bars and restaurants.
The commission did so under mounting pressure from lawmakers and gaming tribes concerned that the games looked too much like slot machines. The machines in question pay out in gift cards or replay credits, rather than actual cash.
Supporters of the games seek a compromise that will allow the games to continue in use while they work out something with the legislature.
However, the new regulations don’t allow any kind of payout, including gift cards. So attorneys representing the game manufacturers and the businesses that have the games are threatening to sue the state.
An attorney for Amusement Device Operators of Washington, possible plaintiffs told the Seattle Times: “The moment the commissioners take an enforcement step, yeah, we’re in court.”
Chris Stearns, chairman of the gambling commission, told the Times “at the end of the day, our jurisdiction and our mission doesn’t extend to making sure that something’s going to be profitable or not.”
The machines began appearing in bars last summer. Players were able to feed the machines coins and solve puzzles, and win prizes. Because they are not tied to chance, the games were not considered gambling.
Then some businesses began allowing patrons to take home winnings, which set off alarm bells among regulators and lawmakers. That led to the banning of cash payouts.
This, say the owners of the games, means that they won’t make a profit.
