The term "gambling machine" is generally understood to mean those gaming machines that are described in more detail in Section 33c of the Trade, Commerce and Industry Regulation Act (GewO). Accordingly, the operator requires, among other things, a permit from the competent authority in order to set up a gaming machine, for example, in an amusement arcade or a pub. Furthermore, the respective gaming machine must be approved in Germany by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. In addition to the Trade, Commerce and Industry Regulation Act (GewO), those responsible must observe other regulations and laws, such as the Gaming Ordinance, the Youth Protection Act and the respective state laws. This means, of course, that only persons who are at least 18 years old may play on the money gaming machines.
In addition, the installation of gambling machines in Germany is only permitted in restaurants and gaming halls. In addition, there is a limit of 12 gaming machines per gaming hall. In addition, the loss per hour for licensed gaming machines is limited to 60 euros per hour (§13 No. 4 SpielV). Furthermore, it is currently stipulated that gaming machines may generally be operated for a maximum of four years.
Generally speaking, gambling machines enable random gambling with the use of real money. Nowadays, Slot machines offer players a lot of variety. While analog reels were used back then, gambling enthusiasts today play on modern touchscreens with high-resolution graphics quality. With most slot machines, users can choose between 20 and up to 100 games. The betting amount can also often be changed at will on money gaming machines. In casinos, slot machines are also sometimes called one-armed bandits. Here, slot machines have been installed since the 1960s.