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Law defines gambling machines (new law)

Published (5/16/2008)
By Thomas Hammell
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A new law signed May 12 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty changes the definition of a gambling device and repeals a statute relating to gambling machines.

Rep. Tom Tillberry (DFL-Fridley), who sponsors the law with Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), said this law was brought to him by the Department of Public Safety to avoid the potential legal loophole of someone saying an illegal machine had not been played, therefore was legal.

As defined in statute, a gambling device is “a contrivance the purpose of which is that for a consideration a player is afforded an opportunity to obtain something of value, other than free plays, automatically from the machine or otherwise, the award of which is determined principally by chance.” This also includes video machines.

The law also repeals a section of statute that allows the manufacture of components and devices for use in other states.

The law is effective May 13, 2008.

HF3378/SF2533*/CH294

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