How Much Does a Slot Machine Cost
By
Kevin Lentz
Writer at Casinos.US Updated: 09/04/2024
Kevin has been involved in the gambling industry since the ‘80s. From winning tournaments to casino management, he’s ultimately done it all. Throughout the years, he’s written for various iGaming publications on topics such as the legal landscape of online casinos and strategies behind winning. His favorite game is blackjack.
How Much Does a Slot Machine Cost
Have you always wanted to bring the thrill of Las Vegas back to your home? Does the idea of having your very own slot machine get you tingling with excitement? Well, we may have good news. Only Connecticut, Hawaii, Nebraska, and South Carolina bar you totally from having your own slot machine tucked away down in the basement.
In a dozen states, you can have any slot machine you wish as long as it is for personal use, and in almost all the other states, you can have an “antique” slot machine, which is defined as a machine that is at least 25 years old.
Of course, New Jersey and South Dakota decided to push that back a bit to machines built before 1941, and Kansas, Vermont, and Georgia all have cut-off dates in the early 50s. But still, you can get some pretty cool slot machines to wow your friends and pass the time if you are interested.
But we can hear you saying- just how much does a slot machine cost?
Just How Much Is a Slot Machine?
You can pick up an excellent working classic slot like Stars and Bars or Triple Diamond from slot machine refurbishers like Slot Machines Unlimited or Gambler’s Oasis for around $1,000 bucks before shipping and taxes. We like these types of companies because they include warranties with their machines, but if you are willing to take a gamble, you can also find slot machines on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist.
At the other end of the spectrum, if you are looking to buy a newer electronic machine, off-lease slots like Fu Nan Fu Nu, Buffalo Gold, or Lucky 88, you will need to shell out closer to $8,000. And suppose you want a collectible antique slot from before 1930 in pristine condition.
In that case, the sky is the limit, with prices from $8,000 for an older Callie Superior Bell from the late 1920s to $50,000 for a Mills Novelty Company Chicago-style machine in a beautifully carved oak box.
However, the record for a slot machine at auction currently belongs to a Caille Double Venus, which sold back in 2021 for $405,000 at an auction in Las Vegas. Many other vintage slots have also broken six figures at auction, including a triple Caille, which lacked as ornate a cabinet as the Double Venus, for $246k and a Caille Peerless Roulette slot machine that sold for $300,000.
Many of the Mills Novelty Slots also do well at auction, with an almost 6-foot-tall version of the Mills Deluxe Upright manufactured in 1899 going for $108,000. But you can find many pre-1930 Mills slots in reasonably good condition at auction for anywhere between $2,000 and $7,000. These were made in the many thousands, and due to excellent craftsmanship, they have survived years of play and wear and tear.
Considerations When Buying a Slot Machine
Prices have risen on both slot machines from this century and those that are more than 100 years old as more and more people begin to collect them and as more and more states allow them to be kept at home. One very popular niche is any machine about to become 25 years old, as they will shortly become legal in the many states that set the possession laws on slot machines at that age.
If you wish to own one, buying a slot machine, whether antique or not, is not complicated. However, various state laws may mean more paperwork in some states than others. But paperwork and making sure that you are legally allowed to have it aside, there are some other considerations.
First, Caveat Emptor. Be very careful who you buy from and that you are getting what you think you are getting; there are a lot of scams out there. We would hate to see you with a six-inch replica or cheap toy. Especially if you step away from reputable websites or buy on eBay, ensure you have researched and asked the buyer all the right questions.
Think about the overall cost. You have not only the price quoted but also shipping, further repairs, and any permits you may need from the state. Make sure you have factored all of that into your final purchase price before you pull the trigger on a beautiful $1,000 machine, only to find that the actual price might be double once you factor everything in.
Antique slot machines can vary in size from just over a foot to 70 inches, and most modern slot machines are between 30 and 40 inches tall before being set on a base. They also weigh between 200 and 400 lbs. So, finding a proper space for one should be a front-of-mind decision when you are ready to buy a slot machine and not an afterthought.
Conclusion
Whether you wish to purchase a slot machine for its beauty and retro chic aesthetic, or you just want one you can play whenever you’re ready to play, the answer to how much does a slot machine cost is going to be totally up to you. But we think somewhere between $1,000 to about $300,000 will be in the ballpark.
Many people believe these slots will continue to appreciate in value, which is almost certainly true of the antique machines. There is a chance that the ability to play online slots in the US, whether for real money or to play for fun, may hinder sales of more modern machines, but we think that is unlikely. The sort of person who would wish to have a slot machine in their home is going to want it for its physical presence, entertainment, and conversational value.
So, if you want to take a gamble, now might be the perfect time to add a slot machine to your portfolio; they seem like a winning bet to us.
