NCJ Number
150112
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 18 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1994) Pages: 50-51,77-83
Date Published
1994
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article instructs police officers in the logistics of inspecting and monitoring carnival games to ensure that they are fair for the customer.
Abstract
Most carnival games fall into one of three broad categories: retailing games, games of chance, or games of skill. In a retailing game, customers always win something no matter how they perform in the game. The value of the prize is included in the cost of playing the game. The risk of fraud is minimal in such games. Games of chance include any game in which the player pays in hope of winning a prize based on any uncertain outcome. Each jurisdiction has its own definition of gambling, and each game of chance must be assessed under those laws. Court interpretation of gambling laws should also influence law enforcement actions. Games of skill are those that offer prizes for an achievement that requires skillful performance of a task in accordance with the rules of the game. Police inspections of such games should ensure that the customer has a reasonable chance of winning. Thorough and periodic inspections are required. Some guidelines are to review records to determine if the carnival has been in the jurisdiction previously and whether, if this is a return visit, there were any prior problems. Contacting police in jurisdictions where the carnival has already appeared can provide useful information. Other guidelines are to conduct inspections of games prior to the opening of the carnival. Check mechanisms of games to ensure they are not designed for rigging, and play the game as would a customer to ensure that it is possible to win. Rechecks should be done randomly during the carnival.