Music & Games

Wisconsin rules cellphone charging kiosks with video game to be illegal gambling machines

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June 15, 2020

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Friday that cellphone charging kiosks known as "Pow’r Up" machines that let users win or lose money by playing a video game are illegal gambling machines, according to an Associated Press report. Quick Charge Kiosk operates the kiosks in gas stations and convenience stores throughout the state.

The kiosk awards the customer credits to play a video game as their phone charges. If they win, customers can redeem a ticket at the store.

The machines were seized in 2015 when the state attorney general ruled them to be illegal. The company sued, claiming the machines are not gambling machines since there is a free play option.

The court upheld rulings from the state appeals court and Milwaukee County Circuit Court.