Internet Games Just Like “One-Armed Bandits” (Slot Machines) & Violate California Law.

Internet cafes offer devices that resemble traditional casino-style slot machines in some ways and offer users the chance to win sweepstakes prizes, but because they employ modern technology, the devices differ from traditional slot machines in some ways. Pursuant to Penal Code section 330b, slot machines are illegal in California. In relevant part, the statute defines a slot machine as a game wherein “the user may receive or become entitled to receive any piece of money, credit, allowance, or thing of value, or additional chance or right to use the slot machine or device, or any check, slug, token, or memorandum, whether of value or otherwise, which may be exchanged for any money, credit, allowance, or thing of value, or which may be given in trade, irrespective of whether it may, apart from any element of hazard or chance or unpredictable outcome of operation, also sell, deliver, or present some merchandise, indication of weight, entertainment, or other thing of value.” The Supreme Court of California held certain internet games come within the statutory definition of slot machines and violate California law. (People ex rel. Green v. Grewal (Cal. Sup. Ct.; June 25, 2015) 61 Cal.4th 544 [189 Cal.Rptr.3d 686, 352 P.3d 275].)