You're scrolling through online marketplaces or auction sites, and you see it: a '5 Times Pay' slot machine. The price seems fair, the cabinet looks solid in the pictures, and you can already imagine it in your game room. But before you click 'Buy It Now,' you need to know what you're really getting into. Is it a genuine casino pull, a home-use replica, or a money pit waiting to happen? Buying a slot machine isn't like picking up a vintage pinball table; there are legal, technical, and practical hurdles you must clear first.
First, let's demystify the name. "5 Times Pay" isn't a specific brand like IGT or Bally; it's a common payline structure. On these classic three-reel slots, the center line is the standard payline. If you get a winning combination there, you're paid 1x the prize. But if that same winning combo lands on the top line, the payout is doubled. Land it on the bottom line, and it's tripled. Hit it on both the top and center? That's 4x. And if you're lucky enough to get the combo on all three lines—top, center, and bottom—you get the coveted 5 Times Pay multiplier. This mechanic was hugely popular in physical machines from the late 80s through the 2000s, offering players a simple yet engaging way to multiply wins.
You'll typically see two types of "5 Times Pay" machines for sale. The first are genuine, decommissioned casino models from manufacturers like IGT (International Game Technology), Bally, and WMS. These are the real deal, often with heavy-duty cabinets, high-quality monitors or reels, and the original game ROMs like "Double Diamond," "Red White & Blue," or "Triple Diamond" with the 5X feature. The second type are newer, consumer-grade replicas or "multi-game" machines loaded with 100+ games, including a 5 Times Pay mode. These are built for home use, often with lighter materials and LCD screens simulating mechanical reels.
This is the part that stops most casual buyers. In the United States, owning a slot machine is governed by a patchwork of state laws, not federal ones. The key factor is the machine's age. Federal law allows individuals to own a "slot machine" if it was manufactured before 1950. However, most states have their own, stricter rules.
In many states, including Nevada, New Jersey, and Louisiana, it is illegal for a private citizen to possess any slot machine, regardless of age, unless it's an antique (often defined as 25+ years old) and intended for display, not operation. Other states, like Montana and Oregon, allow ownership if the machine is a certain age (often 25-30 years old). A few states, such as Alaska, Arizona, and Kentucky, have no laws prohibiting private ownership. You must check your specific state's gaming commission website or consult a legal expert. Sellers often use vague phrasing like "for display only" or "non-functional," but if the machine can accept coins and pay out, you are likely in possession of an illegal gaming device in most jurisdictions.
Assuming it's legal in your area, you need to inspect the machine like a used car. For a genuine casino model, check the serial number plate inside the cabinet. It should list the manufacturer (IGT, Bally, etc.), model number, and a serial number. This helps verify authenticity. Ask about the machine's history. Was it on a casino floor, or in a licensed bar or truck stop? Casino-used machines have seen heavy action but are built to last.
Physically, inspect the cabinet for water damage, especially at the bottom. Check the monitor for burn-in (permanent image ghosts) if it's a video slot, or listen for grinding sounds in the reel mechanism. Does it power on? Does it accept and register coins or tokens? Does it pay out correctly? A machine that's "working 100%" is worth a significant premium over a "project" machine missing keys, with a broken bill validator, or a dead power supply.
The auction price is just the beginning. For a working, clean IGT "5 Times Pay" machine like a Double Diamond, prices range from $1,200 to $2,500. A non-working or rough-condition unit might go for $300-$800. Then come the extras and repairs. Professional moving and shipping a 300+ pound machine can cost $200-$500 locally, much more cross-country. You may need a new power supply ($150), a refurbished bill validator ($200-$400), or a replacement monitor ($300+). If you want to convert it to free-play (so it doesn't require coins), kits cost around $100. Consumer multi-game cabinets are cheaper upfront ($800-$1,500) and lighter, but their components are less durable.
Specialized marketplaces are your best bet. Avoid general sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, where scams are rampant and sellers often don't know the legal specifics. Instead, look at:
• Slot Machine Forums and Specialty Retailers: Websites dedicated to coin-op collectors have classifieds sections with vetted sellers. Reputable retailers like Nevada Slot Machine or Mr. Slot Machine often have inventories and understand interstate shipping logistics.
• Auction Houses: Some auction houses specialize in casino equipment liquidations. These are usually bulk sales from casinos updating their floors.
• Local Distributors: In states where it's legal, you might find a local distributor of refurbished gaming equipment. They can often provide a warranty and ensure the machine is compliant with your state's laws.
For the right person—a serious collector with a dedicated space, a basic understanding of electronics, and who has confirmed it's 100% legal in their state—a genuine 5 Times Pay slot can be a fantastic centerpiece. The clunk of the coins, the spin of the reels, and the thrill of the 5X light hitting is irreplaceable. For everyone else, the replica multi-game machines offer a simpler, legal-in-all-50-states alternative, though they lack the authentic feel. Your journey starts not with your wallet, but with a deep dive into your state's penal code regarding gambling device possession.
You can find them listed, but legality depends entirely on your state's laws, not eBay's policies. The seller may ship it to you, but you could be committing a felony by receiving it. eBay listings often include disclaimers like "for export only" or "not for use in the USA," which is a major red flag. Always verify your local laws before even browsing.
Technically, yes, if it's a functional casino machine. But doing so for personal profit is illegal almost everywhere in the U.S. More importantly, operating it as a real gambling device for others, even in a private setting, can lead to severe criminal charges for promoting gambling. Most owners either keep them as collectibles or modify them for free-play use only.
Repair costs vary wildly. Simple fixes like replacing a fuse or cleaning a coin jam might cost nothing. A new power supply is $150-$250. A full refurbishment of the mechanical reel mechanism or a replacement monitor (for video slots) can run $300-$600. If you need a specialist to come to your home, expect a high service call fee. It's often cheaper to buy a known-working machine than to fix a broken one.
Casino-used machines are full-sized, heavy-duty units designed for 24/7 operation on a casino floor. They have sturdy wooden cabinets, commercial-grade monitors, and robust internal components. A "bar top" is a smaller, lighter machine designed for limited use in bars or restaurants. They are less durable, often have simpler electronics, and are usually cheaper. Both can have 5 Times Pay games, but the casino version is built to last decades.
Yes. Genuine casino machines use specialized tubular or barrel keys that are hard to duplicate at a standard hardware store. When buying, ensure you get all keys: the main cabinet door key, the cash box key, and the reset key. If keys are missing, you'll have to drill out the locks and replace them, which is an added cost and hassle. Replica home machines often use standard keys.