Music & Games

AAMA warns states against excessive amusement machine restrictions

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June 4, 2020

The American Amusement Machine Association has urged its members to provide state lawmakers a copy of its Statement of Compliance to assist states in reopening facilities. Peter Gustafson, AAMA executive vice president, noted in an email that several state legislators have sought to prohibit video games, pinball machines, pool tables and other amusement devices from being reinstalled when reopening.

In many cases, restaurants, retail centers, salons and the like are being allowed to reopen at varying levels, but not amusement games and arcades.

"We've learned this is happening in states where restrictions on approved gambling devices have been lifted, but not amusement games which are often located in the same venue as the gambling device," Gustafson wrote.   

The AAMA has encouraged members to use a form letter by accessing this link.
 
The AAMA has also encouraged members to comply with recommended cleaning and sanitizing standards set forth by the CDC, to limit the spread of COVID-19.  

These protocols include:  

• Respecting occupancy limits.
• Enforcing social distancing requirements.
• Limiting group sizes.
• Following strict facility cleaning and sanitizing schedules — especially for high touchpoint areas.
• Rigorous staff training on new procedures, protocols, and guidelines due to COVID-19.
• Placing hand sanitizing stations throughout the facility for guests and team members to utilize.
• Encouraging distancing by use of physical separation, shield separation, hard structure separation or alternating table and attraction availability to customers.
• Posting signs promoting social distancing, frequent hand washing and group size limits.
• Posting signs listing symptoms of COVID-19 to educate guests and team members on what to look for in themselves, and others