It's video poker and they give prizes and that's gambling. Bill Miller, an Austin consultant hired last week to represent the Amusement Machine Operators of Texas, disagrees. Just because something looks like something doesn't make it bad. If that was the case, Toys R Us should be closed down. The trade association represents 3,000 operators that place the machines, which can be played by minors, in truck stops, convenience stores, bowling alleys and elsewhere.
Stuffed animals are typical prizes.
Machines in some areas of the state pay off prizes, usually in gift certificates, worth far more than intended by the fuzzy animal bill, law enforcement officials say. Ira Tobolowsky of Dallas, attorney for Amusement Machine Operators of Texas, said he believes police have all the tools they need to go after machines that offer big prizes. Tobolowsky also contends the Sibley bill could outlaw nongambling arcade games, like the machines that allow kids to try to scoop up a toy with a crane. E.W. Scripps Publications , All Rights Reserved. Site users are subject to our User Agreement .