Slot Machines: How does a mechanical one arm bandit mechanism work?

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Slot Machines: How does a mechanical one arm bandit mechanism work?

This topic has 29 replies, 19 voices, and was last updated 23 March 2023 at 04:20 by lachie wilson.

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6 June 2018 at 13:00 #356752
Simon Robinson 4
Participant
@simonrobinson4
Hi

I know a little about how a one arm bandit works, you pull the lever it sets off a clock and releases the brake holding the wheels. Let go of the lever and the spring activates the ‘kicker’ which sends the wheels spinning.

My questions are:

1) The 3 payout disks correspond to each wheel and are located to the left of the 3 wheels. How does each payout disk connect with each wheel. For example. How does disk 1 connect to wheel 1 when the other two disks are between it and wheel 1?

2) How does the kicker spin the wheels and do the wheels rotate around the axle independently while connected their relevant payout disk?
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6 June 2018 at 13:00 #35198
Simon Robinson 4
Participant
@simonrobinson4
6 June 2018 at 13:12 #356754
richardandtracy
Participant
@richardandtracy
In my short and unprofitable experience of one-arm bandits, there is no connection whatsoever between the payout disc and the wheels that rotate.

Regards,

Richard.
6 June 2018 at 14:54 #356763
Brian G
Participant
@briang
Aren't the payout cams located to the left of each wheel as in this video, and simply bolted to the wheels?

Brian

Edit: Hopefully this time with player controls

Edited By Brian G on 06/06/2018 14:55:38
6 June 2018 at 16:32 #356770
Ady1
Participant
@ady1
You might have to buy one to find out
6 June 2018 at 17:19 #356779
Neil Wyatt
Moderator
@neilwyatt
Mentally, slot machines are lost somewhere with signal boxes and engima machines in a part of my brain I'm happy not to explore in detail…
6 June 2018 at 18:38 #356786
Simon Robinson 4
Participant
@simonrobinson4
Posted by Brian G on 06/06/2018 14:54:26:

Aren't the payout cams located to the left of each wheel as in this video, and simply bolted to the wheels?

Brian

Edit: Hopefully this time with player controls

Edited By Brian G on 06/06/2018 14:55:38

Thanks for showing the video very helpful
12 January 2023 at 15:32 #628866
Christopher Dean 1
Participant
@christopherdean1
Can anyone help?

I have an old one arm bandit machine which has been converted to accept the new 1p coin, when i put these coins in they fall straight through the macine, how can this be fixed?
12 January 2023 at 17:31 #628885
Nicholas Farr
Participant
@nicholasfarr14254
Hi Brian G, that's a very informative video, thanks for sharing, not that I've ever thought about them and haven't put a single coin in one for probably 40 to 50 years.

Regards Nick.
12 January 2023 at 18:54 #628912
Oldiron
Participant
@oldiron
Posted by Christopher Dean 1 on 12/01/2023 15:32:45:

Can anyone help?

I have an old one arm bandit machine which has been converted to accept the new 1p coin, when i put these coins in they fall straight through the macine, how can this be fixed?

Something wrong with the conversion I would imagine. There should be a gate to slow down the coin and divert it into the coin collection box.

regards
12 January 2023 at 19:26 #628919
Dave Halford
Participant
@davehalford22513
Posted by Oldiron on 12/01/2023 18:54:57:

Posted by Christopher Dean 1 on 12/01/2023 15:32:45:

Can anyone help?

I have an old one arm bandit machine which has been converted to accept the new 1p coin, when i put these coins in they fall straight through the macine, how can this be fixed?

Something wrong with the conversion I would imagine. There should be a gate to slow down the coin and divert it into the coin collection box.

regards

The coin mech should be removable and still work without the rest of the machine so you should be able to see whats going wrong.

If it's a one penny bandit have you tried a 2 pence piece?
12 January 2023 at 20:14 #628933
noel shelley
Participant
@noelshelley55608
Old pennys were non magnetic new ones are steel ! could be trouble ? Noel.
12 January 2023 at 21:06 #628955
Neil Wyatt
Moderator
@neilwyatt
In the years since this was originally posted I've seen several of Big Clive's videos.

They are generally very good.

Neil
12 January 2023 at 21:23 #628959
Robert Atkinson 2
Participant
@robertatkinson2
Hi Christopher,

We need a bit more information. Apart form what machine, did it ever work after the conversion?
A conversion for personal use does not need a coin acceptor becuse you are not going to cheat yourself. It just needs a tube or chute to connect the slot to the trip lever (or switch if an electrical machine).
My first fulltime job was fixing amusement machines, mostly electronics but had to everthing including old Jennings mechanicals. It was where I first used a lathe. There was a early Super 7 in a corner of the basement. No one used it. I got a copy of Sparey's book and put the 7 to good use.

Robert.
12 January 2023 at 21:47 #628969
Martin Kyte
Participant
@martinkyte99762
Has anyone ever made a scale model of a one armed bandit?

Could be a first
13 January 2023 at 16:28 #629094
Robert Atkinson 2
Participant
@robertatkinson2
You need a licence to own, sell, make, repair or service a fruit machine. They don't make a distinction on size.
You can get a relatively cheap single machine permit for personal use. In theory even friends are not allowed to put money in a personal machine. And you can't fix a friends machine either.
https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/page/single-machine-permits

Robert G8RPI.
13 January 2023 at 16:43 #629098
duncan webster 1
Participant
@duncanwebster1
Is this another example of regulation over-reach? We get turned away by pubs when trying to perform a traditional mummers play for charity as they don't have a performance licence. All down to politicians not differentiating between a rock band with load amfiers and a group who have been performing for many many years but only a few times a year.
13 January 2023 at 17:06 #629105
Maurice Taylor
Participant
@mauricetaylor82093
Posted by Robert Atkinson 2 on 13/01/2023 16:28:27:

You need a licence to own, sell, make, repair or service a fruit machine. They don't make a distinction on size.
You can get a relatively cheap single machine permit for personal use. In theory even friends are not allowed to put money in a personal machine. And you can't fix a friends machine either.
https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/page/single-machine-permits

Robert G8RPI.

Hi ,You do not need a license to own a fruit machine for your own use at home.

Maurice
13 January 2023 at 18:50 #629118
Robert Atkinson 2
Participant
@robertatkinson2
Hi Maurice,
Can you reference a UK goverment document or website that states this please? The Gambling Commision website clearly states
"

You may be able to apply for a single machine permit instead of a gaming machine technical operating licence if you:
- collect gaming machines, such as fruit or slot machines as a private individual
- want to sell, repair or maintain a single machine or part of a gaming machine.
"
This is an alternative to a full gambling licence, not an option you don't need.
Some have argued that if ONLY you (and not even other members of yor household) use the machine you don't need a licence or permit. This is because you have not made the machine "available". However it is clear that you need a licence or single machine permit to install, repair or maintain (among other things) a gaming machine or part of one. This means for all practical purposes you need a permit because you can't even clean it (maintenence) without one. It is also difficult to show that nobody else uses it.

Like many laws enforcement may be low, but like speeding not getting caught does not make it legal.

Robert G8RPI.
13 January 2023 at 19:39 #629125
Maurice Taylor
Participant
@mauricetaylor82093
Hi,

These two sites say that a license is not needed for personal use

Can You Legally Install Fruit Machines In Your Home?

Is It Legal to Buy Fruit Machines to Use At Home?

Maurice
13 January 2023 at 20:05 #629132
Martin Kyte
Participant
@martinkyte99762
If you make a quarter scale machine that takes quarter scale coins how is that gambling?

regards Martin
13 January 2023 at 21:14 #629141
peak4
Participant
@peak4
Posted by Robert Atkinson 2 on 13/01/2023 18:50:42:

Hi Maurice,
Can you reference a UK goverment document or website that states this please? The Gambling Commision website clearly states
"

You may be able to apply for a single machine permit instead of a gaming machine technical operating licence if you:
- collect gaming machines, such as fruit or slot machines as a private individual
- want to sell, repair or maintain a single machine or part of a gaming machine.
"
This is an alternative to a full gambling licence, not an option you don't need.
Some have argued that if ONLY you (and not even other members of yor household) use the machine you don't need a licence or permit. This is because you have not made the machine "available". However it is clear that you need a licence or single machine permit to install, repair or maintain (among other things) a gaming machine or part of one. This means for all practical purposes you need a permit because you can't even clean it (maintenence) without one. It is also difficult to show that nobody else uses it.

Like many laws enforcement may be low, but like speeding not getting caught does not make it legal.

Robert G8RPI.
I don't know if there are any actual qualified lawyers on this site who could give an informed opinion.
One problem which sometimes occurs is when people purely rely upon explanatory web pages, even when put out by official government departments; DVLA springs to mind for one, and that page from the gambling commission might be another. Lots of popular tabloid stories seem to rely on this for their scare stories to use as click bait.

To work out what's really applicable one needs to visit the actual legislation, and be sufficiently trained and experienced to be able to apply the correct interpretation, as well as being able to access any relevant case law, and none of that applies to me.

In this case it looks like it might be The Gambling Act 2005
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents/enacted

In the section regarding Offences, it gives a list, and also the exceptions of when an offence hasn't been committed.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/part/10/crossheading/offences

In sections 242 & 243, "Making Available For Use", or "Maintaining etc". there are exceptions listed for section 248 (amongst others)

248 relates to No Prize
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/248#text%3Dsingle%20machine%20permit

248 No prize

(1)A person does not commit an offence under section 37 or 242 if—

(a)he makes a gaming machine available for use by an individual, and

(b)the individual does not, by using the machine, acquire an opportunity to win a prize.

(2)The Secretary of State may make regulations creating exceptions from the offence under section 243 in connection with machines which, by virtue of their nature or any other specified matter, are not designed or expected to be used to provide an opportunity to win a prize.

So provided no-one is able to win a prize, then having and repairing a machine, at home where no-one can win a prize would seem OK for the purposes of this act.

There may of course be case law which says otherwise, or I may be far wide of the mark in my interpretation of the act.

Bill
14 January 2023 at 07:38 #629177
John McNamara
Participant
@johnmcnamara74883
Hi
Yes I am still around

Try googling "poker machine losses Australia"
There you will find 11 billion reasons why they should not exist.

Even discussing these devilish machines raises my hackles.

The quicker every single one is put in the scrap crusher the better.

regards
john

PS
We moved house!
Just before Christmas We finally got 3 phase and a permit for a new shed

Happy New Year
14 January 2023 at 10:44 #629211
Dave Halford
Participant
@davehalford22513
Posted by peak4 on 13/01/2023 21:14:35:
Posted by Robert Atkinson 2 on 13/01/2023 18:50:42:

Hi Maurice,
Can you reference a UK goverment document or website that states this please? The Gambling Commision website clearly states
"

You may be able to apply for a single machine permit instead of a gaming machine technical operating licence if you:

collect gaming machines, such as fruit or slot machines as a private individual

want to sell, repair or maintain a single machine or part of a gaming machine.

"
This is an alternative to a full gambling licence, not an option you don't need.
Some have argued that if ONLY you (and not even other members of yor household) use the machine you don't need a licence or permit. This is because you have not made the machine "available". However it is clear that you need a licence or single machine permit to install, repair or maintain (among other things) a gaming machine or part of one. This means for all practical purposes you need a permit because you can't even clean it (maintenence) without one. It is also difficult to show that nobody else uses it.

Like many laws enforcement may be low, but like speeding not getting caught does not make it legal.

Robert G8RPI.
I don't know if there are any actual qualified lawyers on this site who could give an informed opinion.
One problem which sometimes occurs is when people purely rely upon explanatory web pages, even when put out by official government departments; DVLA springs to mind for one, and that page from the gambling commission might be another. Lots of popular tabloid stories seem to rely on this for their scare stories to use as click bait.

To work out what's really applicable one needs to visit the actual legislation, and be sufficiently trained and experienced to be able to apply the correct interpretation, as well as being able to access any relevant case law, and none of that applies to me.

In this case it looks like it might be The Gambling Act 2005
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents/enacted

In the section regarding Offences, it gives a list, and also the exceptions of when an offence hasn't been committed.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/part/10/crossheading/offences

In sections 242 & 243, "Making Available For Use", or "Maintaining etc". there are exceptions listed for section 248 (amongst others)

248 relates to No Prize
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/section/248#text%3Dsingle%20machine%20permit

248 No prize

(1)A person does not commit an offence under section 37 or 242 if—

(a)he makes a gaming machine available for use by an individual, and

(b)the individual does not, by using the machine, acquire an opportunity to win a prize.

(2)The Secretary of State may make regulations creating exceptions from the offence under section 243 in connection with machines which, by virtue of their nature or any other specified matter, are not designed or expected to be used to provide an opportunity to win a prize.

So provided no-one is able to win a prize, then having and repairing a machine, at home where no-one can win a prize would seem OK for the purposes of this act.

There may of course be case law which says otherwise, or I may be far wide of the mark in my interpretation of the act.

Bill
The 'no prize' requirement probably explains why your money goes straight through, no doubt the reels still spin.
14 January 2023 at 11:23 #629224
Robert Atkinson 2
Participant
@robertatkinson2
Posted by Maurice Taylor on 13/01/2023 19:39:07:

Hi,

These two sites say that a license is not needed for personal use

Can You Legally Install Fruit Machines In Your Home?

Is It Legal to Buy Fruit Machines to Use At Home?

Maurice

Hi Maurice,

Thanks for that.
The first site you linked to comfirms the use single machine permits:

There is something called a Single Machine Permit that can be issued by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. These are not meant for people operating a commercial business and are instead for people that collect gaming machines as private individuals."

It is not very authoritative though as it then says that the gambling commions says you only need a licence:

"If you provide facilities for remote gambling (online or through other means), and advertise to consumers in which is Britain, you will need a licence from the Gambling Commission. "

This statement is true but is about remote gambling so is clearly not ment to indicate the only case when you need a licence.

The second site is a bit clearer:

" Obviously for pubs, clubs, and public spaces then a license is going to be needed. You can apply to the UK Gambling Commission for a license, but it’s more likely that you will need a Single Machine Permit. These permits are not for commercial businesses and are for people who want to play or fix these machines. Here’s the official blurb from the Gambling Commission website: "

Unfortunatly they then muddy the water by saying

" If you are just looking to host the machine in your house and only have it for your personal use then you do not need a license. However, if you allow your friends or people in your house to gamble for real money then you will need to apply for the Single Machine Permit as mentioned above."
This is incorrect. It mixes licences and permits in the same statement. To let your friends gamble for real you need a licence not a permit. Note that as I said before there is an apparent loophole if ONLY you use the machine and don't install, repair, modify, maintain or sell it you don't need a permit but unless the machine was on the premises when you bought the premises (there is a specfic clause in the law about that) it is clearly impossible to cheive that situation and hard to prove compliance.

Neither of these websites is officical or even legal advice sites.
Yes they are for sale on ebay but note their rules https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-items/slot-machines-policy?id=4312
Some licenced dealers will sell anyone a machine as it not their problem if you don't have a permit. The more responsible ones make you get permit before hand or just don't sell to individuals. It's like selling a car to someone without a licence and insurance.

A single machine permit is only £40 so why take the risk? Get one and you are covered.
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