Florida Senate Passes Coin-Op Clarification Law Gov Expected To Sign

TALLAHASSEE, FL -- A bill that draws a distinct line between coin-op amusement and gambling devices sailed through the Florida State Senate this week. Approved 39-1 on April 23, the proposed law, now known as the Family Amusement Games Act, clarifies the definition between the two machine categories.

Although it places some new regulations on coin-operated amusement devices, the bill is seen as a victory for the amusement industry. It was initiated in response to a 2013 law intended to shut down gambling operations of so-called Internet cafés. However, the wording of the law neglected to discern a clear difference between obvious gambling and coin-op amusement. The new law makes that clarification as well as increasing the allowed payout of value from 75¢ to $5.25. | SEE STORY

The bill is now on its way to Gov. Rick Scott, who is expected to put his signature on it.

Despite the political win, Disney reportedly has no plans to reinstate crane machines and redemption games. Disney, which still offers arcade games that don't dispense prizes, like videos, announced earlier this year that it was shutting down its redemption counters and removing skill cranes at its properties. The company has never given the reason for the removal. SEE STORY