Unwanted gambling machines still thrive

December 10

These days, illegal gambling machines are well-known in Kentucky and Indiana. According to a study recently done, these games are proving to cost players hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

These forbidden games are sometimes known to be played right out in the open. The owners of these illegal machines set them with odds that are unbelievably hard to beat. They have been played in bars, truck stops and even fast-food establishments. Most players don't even know this when they are playing them either.

A reporter working for the newspaper running the investigation, traveled down I-75 in Kentucky, one way, only one trip. During this trip, the reporter found some 137 machines at 19 different truck stops, convenience stores and fast-food restaurants located at 15 separate exits.

On the other hand, Ohio River's slot casinos are mandated to have an 80% minimum payout.

To make things worse, because the devices are illegal in both states, they aren't taxed on the profit they generate. Causing the state to lose any revenue from these unregistered games.

The Indiana Licensed Beverage Association is working to have video gambling legalized there. They conducted a test showing that in Indiana, if only 50% of the state's bars and restaurants had only 5 machines each, the state would generate up to $1 billion dollars annually.

Officials from the state of Kentucky say the General Assembly has never even deliberated over legalizing the slots.

Both Kentucky and Indiana officials have no certain idea of just how many machines are operated or how many are even playing them.

In both Kentucky and Indiana, the law states that there are three characteristics that have to be present for a machine to be deemed a gambling device. Money must be spent to play the machines. Skill cannot affect the outcome of the games. Lastly, those who do win must get cash or something considered of worth.

For someone to play, they could insert money, maneuver buttons on a machine to play hands of poker or to start and stop reels with revolving symbols. Lastly, points are earned on a range of different combinations.

The machines do not pay winnings from the machines, like a casino slot would do. Differently, players get tickets from the machine to stating the number of accumulated points. Then, the player redeems the tickets at a designated spot in the establishment. At last, the points are redeemed for cash or sometimes merchandise.