Slot Machines For Sale

Slot Machine Buyers' Guide

The title of this article is "slot machines for sale", but we don't really have any slot machines for sale here. We do offer a buyer's guide to help you with the process of getting started in the slot machine buying and collecting hobby, if that's what you're interested in.

Slot machines aren't just for casinos any more. Lots of folks buy slot machine games for their game rooms, dens, or offices. Various dealers online offer slot machines for aftermarket purchase. Or you can buy slot machines at slot machine trade shows and convention type events.

Slot Machine Prices and Pricing

Prices for slot machines vary based on the machine's quality and whether or not it's authentic. A slot machine in mint condition commands a greater price than a slot machine that's worn out and beat up. And an authentic slot machine commands a greater price than a knock off. And obvious factors like the rarity of a given slot machine affect the price too. An original Liberty Bell will of course be worth more than a used Blazing Sevens machine.

Legality of Owning Slot Machines

Slot Machines for SaleBefore you decide whether or not to buy a slot machine, check your local laws regarding slot machine ownership. Just owning a slot machine is illegal in some states, and other states have laws which regulate which slot machines you can and cannot buy. In states where slot machine ownership is completely illegal, you could refit a machine to pay out gum balls and still face potential problems just by having the machine in your house.

Getting Started as a Slot Machine Collector

To get started as a slot machine collector, go to your local book store or public library and purchase a buyer's guide to slot machines. Lots of great books are available for buyers, including Loose Change Blue Book for Slot Machines by Dan Mead and Slot Machines - The First 100 Years by Marshall Fey.Use these books to research the slot machines you are looking for.

These books feature detailed tips on things to look for and things to look out for when buying a slot machine. Some slot machines might have common flaws or potentially missing parts that you'd be advised to know about ahead of time. Being well-informed is your best strategy for not buying a fake or for overpaying for a slot machine.

Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions that the dealer requires with the sale. The more you know about this entire process, the better off you'll be.

Refurbished Slot Machines VS Antique Slot Machines

You will need to decide between a refurbished slot machine or an antique slot machine. New slots are never sold to individuals by the way; they are only available to casinos. Casinos sell machines they no longer need to a licensed broker who then distributes them to slot machine dealers. Searching for a brand-new slot machine will only result in a waste of time.

Antique Slot Machines

If you're buying an antique slot machine, research every detail before you buy. Antique slots are made from completely different parts than modern slot machines. Antique slot machines are also more valuable than refurbished or restored slot machines.

An antique slot machine's value depends on how "original" the machine is. Here are some questions to know the answers to when determining the fair price for an antique slot machine:

  • How many of the machine's original parts are still in the slot machine?
  • Which parts of the slot machine have been replaced?
  • Is the cashbox still in the machine?
  • Does the cashbox still have its locks?

Each original part increases the value of the antique slot machine. Each part that's been replaced reduces the value of the slot machine.

Antique slot machines are a collectible market item, and these items are always buyer beware items. Find out if the serial number of the slot machine is still in place. Also ask if a certificate of authenticity is available. Reproductions of slot machines don't have serial numbers or certificates of authenticity.

Refurbished Slot Machines

After market slot machines are available in refurbished versions all over the Internet. Reproductions of slot machines are also easily found. But just because a slot machine is listed as "refurbished" doesn't mean that you can get away with ignorance. Do your homework, because even refurbished slot machines can have mechanical problems and/or missing parts. Make sure that you will be able to handle the ongoing maintenance of the slot machine before you buy it.

Doing research, asking questions, and treating a slot machine purchase like any other major purchase will go a long way toward helping you avoid any mistakes when getting started as a slot machine collector.

 

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