Slot Enthusiast Advocates for Legal Alteration in Australia Following Gambling Prosecution
A retro arcade machine lover from Queensland, Australia, was penalized under local gambling regulations for owning deactivated vintage slot machines, according to The Courier Mail. The individual, identified as Greg Selman, aims to reform the law to allow enthusiasts like himself to engage in their pastimes without fear of legal repercussions.
Selman became the first person to face charges under Queensland's 1991 Gaming Machine Act, a law intended to combat organized crime and illegal gambling establishments. Last year, agents from the state's Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation raided his shed, discovering two refurbished slot machines, or "pokies," as they're known in Australia.
Specifically, Selman was charged with illegally selling a gaming machine, possessing an unlawful gaming machine, and two counts of possessing restricted parts, despite the machines no longer functioning as gambling devices. He pleaded guilty earlier this month and was fined A$4K (US$2.7K). Prosecutors had sought A$15K (US$10K).
Law is a Pain in the Ass
Selman has penned letters to all Queensland politicians requesting a revision of the law, which he deems "vague" because it fails to distinguish between commercial and private usage.
In a petition started by Selman on Change.org, he points out that, as per the current law, a crane machine could theoretically be classified as an unlicensed gambling device.
The law currently defines a gaming machine as any device that accepts tokens or credit adjustments. However, it lacks specifications such as the crucial differentiation between "pokies" or "slot machines" and other types of gaming machines like arcade machines.
“This ambiguity leads to misclassification and, unfortunately, the prosecution of hobbyists simply following their passions,” Selman wrote.
‘No Wrong Intentions’
Selman admitted to being unaware of the law prior to his prosecution. He stated that tinkering with decommissioned slot machines is legal in his native New Zealand.
When reached by The Courier Mail, lawmaker Jim McDonald concurred that the law should be reviewed.
“Criminal law is about intent, and there was no intent to deceive in Selman’s case. It's crucial to find the right balance. This is an old law, and it's not fair to penalize innocent collectors,” McDonald said.
Read also:
- Leverkusen claims victory in the cup, securing a double triumph.
- Alonso achieves a double victory after consuming a German brew.
- Does the SVolt factory in Saarland face stability issues?
- Furor surrounding Sylt scandal footage