Finally, rock solid arguments I can use on my GF for investing in a third pinball machine.

"Warren Buffett's first biz was pinball"

Then he got smart.

Smart all right - he got out quick.

I bet he wasn't paying for permits, tax stamps, protection or any other things modern ops have to deal with either

its funny how certain states are regulating these games still. I checked in about a year ago with both town and state officials here in Vermont in regards to coin operated equipment of all kinds (vids, pins, vending) and besides slot machines or cash payout machines there are zero regulations, permits, tax stamps or laws governing the business.

Thanks
Blake

Here is the photo, from the news report.
AAyUd0I.jpgWarren&Bill (resized).jpg

That's why he's called "the Otaku of Omaha"

Real answer is that he probably did this during the 30 year period when pinball was illegal in the US...

Perhaps he did it in the 99% of the country where it was legal.

No joke... It's $3300 a year for an arcade license in Pittsburgh (6 or more machines). I heard somewhere individual machine tax stamps are $750/year.

Most of the country did not ban pinball in general. There were high authority people like the NY city mayor who did not approve of them and when manufacturers started to produce payout pinball machines that was the straw that broke the camels back. After which many citys and a few states made them illegal. The biggest being new York, Chicago, and los angeles. Many citys and states had laws restricting play during certain times or holidays specifically for kids. Ironically enough, Peep Show arcade machines in Penny Arcades during this time were still available to and catered to mothers and children.

Thanks
Blake

Most of the country did not ban pinball in general. There were high authority people like the NY city mayor who did not approve of them and when manufacturers started to produce payout pinball machines that was the straw that broke the camels back. After which many citys and a few states made them illegal. The biggest being new York, Chicago, and los angeles. Many citys and states had laws restricting play during certain times or holidays specifically for kids. Ironically enough, Peep Show arcade machines in Penny Arcades during this time were still available to and catered to mothers and children.

Thanks
Blake

the $750/ machine / year seems outrageously flawed. I have seen anywhere from $25-$100 / machine for the states that still mandate them. I would love for someone who is paying these fees to chime in. and again in Vermont there is no charge of any kind.

thanks
Blake