This was odd - slot machines in local mall arcade

[poppo]

I was at the local mall and was passing the arcade by the food court when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted what looked like slot machines. I went inside and they definitely looked real (like Ballys) and even had $.25 denomination legends. While there is a 'loophole' for gambling devices, I don't think these would qualify based on the award tables. The may payout could only be $2.50 per the following.

loophole on law against slots and other machines here in Texas:

(B) does not include any electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical contrivance designed, made, and adapted solely for bona fide amusement purposes if the contrivance rewards the player exclusively with noncash merchandise prizes, toys, or novelties, or a representation of value redeemable for those items, that have a wholesale value available from a single play of the game or device of not more than 10 times the amount charged to play the game or device once or $5, whichever is less.

http://clc.texasbaptists.org/files/2011/04/TDCCAGaming.pdf

Not a very good picture, but I didn't want to take it inside because it was right next to the manned counter.

[Yoeddy1]

So did you go in and play poppo? 

Jason

[poppo]

No, I didn't have time (or any cash on me). Next time I go, I will give them a better look.

[poppo]

As a follow up, I was at the mall again and took a closer look. I'm fairly certain these were Bally machines. Oddly they both had 'for sale' signs on them. So either that is a loophole to have working machines in the place, or they got told they need to get rid of them.

[proten]

I was told by a pinball repair shop that in Texas it is
illegal to have slot machines and games in the same building.