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HB 6068

Gaming: other; definition of slot machine; revise. Amends secs. 303 & 308a of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.303 & 750.308a) & adds secs. 310f, 310g & 310h.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brenda Carter and 3 co-sponsors

The bill modernizes and tightens regulation of slot machines and crane-style arcade devices, expanding enforcement, defining exemptions, and enabling seizure and disposal of illega

bill electronically reproduced 06/10/2026
#gaming:other
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 6068

Overview

HB 6068 (2025-2026 Session, Michigan) amends the Michigan Penal Code to redefine and regulate slot machines and certain arcade-style devices. It updates provisions related to illegal gaming, clarifies exemptions for specific games, and adds new sections addressing crane-style amusement devices, enforcement, and penalties. The bill also preserves existing exemptions for state-run or licensed gaming activities.

Main purpose and intent

  • Modernize the definition of slot machines and related gaming devices.
  • Tighten enforcement against unlicensed or unlawful gaming operations.
  • Clarify which games are exempt from penalties (e.g., certain state-licensed gaming activities) and under what circumstances crane games and other amusement devices are treated differently.
  • Provide procedural mechanisms for seizing and disposing of illegal gaming equipment and for directing proceeds from disposals.

Key provisions and changes

  • Sec. 303 – Illicit gaming activities

    • General rule: Keeping or maintaining a gaming room, table, or game for hire or reward is a misdemeanor (up to 2 years imprisonment or $1,000 fine). Aiding or abetting such gaming is also a misdemeanor.
    • Exceptions:
    • Mechanical amusement devices that award free replays under specific conditions (limited replays, no permanent record of free replays, and replays discharged only by an extra play) are exempt.
    • Slot machines 25 years old or older and not used for gambling are exempt.
    • Crane games are exempt from subsection (1) (see subsections 5–9 for crane game rules).
    • Crane game exemptions:
    • Definitions and scope of crane games (prize value capped at $3.75; claw retrieval mechanics).
    • Altering a crane game to avoid compliance is a felony (up to 2 years imprisonment, up to $20,000 fine).
    • Law enforcement can confiscate noncompliant crane games, with restricted disposition of confiscated items (court order required for disposal).
    • Mandatory conspicuous notice on crane games stating non-licensing status.
    • Expanded slot machine definition:
    • Slot machine includes any device that upon coin/token/payment may deliver cash or other value by chance or skill, or both.

  • Sec. 308a – Seizure and disposition of seized property

    • Courts may order disposition or destruction of lawfully seized property as directed by the court or under supervision of law enforcement.
    • Proceeds from disposition go to the appropriate local or state treasurer.

  • Sec. 310f – Exemption

    • The chapter does not apply to games offered by the state lottery under the McCauley-Traxler-Law-Bowman-McNeely Lottery Act (1972).

  • Sec. 310g – Exemption

    • The chapter does not apply to gaming conducted under bingo act license (Traxler-McCauley-Law-Bowman bingo act, 1972).

  • Sec. 310h – Exemption

    • The chapter does not apply to gaming conducted under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act (1996).

Who or what would be affected

  • Individuals and businesses operating gaming rooms, tables, or devices for hire or reward in Michigan.
  • Operators of crane games and amusement machines in public or commercial settings.
  • Law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts involved in seizing and disposition of unlawful gaming equipment.
  • Entities engaged in licensed gaming activities (state lottery, bingo underspecified acts, and federally or state-regulated gaming controllers) that are explicitly exempted from these penalties.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill outlines enforcement procedures for confiscation and disposition of seized items (SEC. 308a).
  • It establishes penalties for violations (misdemeanor up to 2 years and up to $1,000) and more severe penalties for illegal alterations to crane games (felony up to 2 years, up to $20,000 fine).
  • It creates notice requirements for crane games located in Michigan.
  • It provides explicit exemptions for certain state-licensed gaming activities, indicating these activities are not subject to the new sections of this chapter.

Additional notes

  • The bill text references amendments to section 303 originally amended by 1996 PA 129 and adds new sections 310f, 310g, and 310h.
  • The sponsor list includes Rep. Cynthia Neeley (primary) with several co-sponsors.
  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Regulatory Reform committee as of June 2026.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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