NCJ Number
143830
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Dated: (April 1979)
Date Published
1979
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The legality of bingo and pinball machines has been debated, although the prevailing view in most jurisdictions is that bingo machines are gambling devices subject to Federal tax but that pinball machines are not.
Abstract
Games played on bingo and pinball machines are very different. Success in pinball depends on the player's ability to accumulate a minimum score, while the object of play on bingo machines is roughly analogous to the more traditional form of bingo. Bingo machines are usually equipped with a built-in governor that automatically adjusts the chances of obtaining greater scores and features. In addition, a distinguishing characteristic of bingo machines is that they are multiple-coin gambling devices. A chart is included that compares the features of pinball and bingo machines. 8 endnotes and 10 figures