NCJ Number
143848
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Dated: (February 1988) Pages: 1-10
Date Published
1988
Length
10 pages
Annotation
A "penny falls" game or device has several features which lead the player to believe that the game can be beaten by virtue of his skill, when, in reality, it is a game of chance, based on the laws of probability.
Abstract
The term "penny falls" applies to several devices, including the money pusher and gravitation device, which have six similar characteristics: a playing surface, raised lip on the front of the playing surface, an accumulated mass of coins or tokens, side slots, sweep-arm, and shooter or coin chute. The object of play is to force the maximum number of coins over the front edge of the playing surface into the win chute, using the least number of coins possible. However, there are several hidden factors which reduce the potential win ratio including screw heads, texture of the playing surface, triangular lip, an accumulated mass of coins, prizes placed on top of the coin mass, and side slots. Imposed impediments are features which can take the form of prizes, chips, and large weighted tokens; for each item added, the retention ratio will increase in proportion to the size and weight of the added components. Penny falls manufacturers continue to develop new games that remain within the law while attracting players. 8 notes