How to Buy a Slot Machine for Your Home

Where to Buy Slot Machines

Thanks in part to the internet, it's easier than ever to buy yourself a slot machine for your living room. Not only are slot machines more accessible for buyers, but also the price has tumbled considerably thanks to online competition. A quick Google search will show you many distributors, manufacturers and reputable retailers. Because the vast majority of these companies specialise in selling slot machines, you will find what you're looking for in a jiffy.

One of the more serious considerations is where you live. After all, you're not buying some small electric device like an Xbox or PlayStation. If you're shipping internationally, this could get very expensive. Not only are slot machines huge, but they are also very heavy. It's probably best for practical reasons to find a retailer as close to your home as possible. Also, by dealing with someone relatively close, you'll be able to go and examine the machines before purchase. Furthermore, if there are any problems, it's easy for a technician to come and examine or repair it in person.

This doesn't mean that you need to be living in or around Las Vegas to get the world's best slot machines. You'll find plenty of companies based around the world that specialise in the purchase and sale of new and pre-loved slots, and many of these are happy to sell to the public. In the United States, probably the biggest retailer of used slot machines and their games is a company called Slot Machines Unlimited. They are a highly reputable reseller. Being a family-run business, not only do they sell a massive range of slots, but also many of these have been tailored for exclusive use in the home.

Another option if you're looking to purchase a slot machine is to use an online auction site like eBay. Within minutes, you'll be able to find a huge number of used slot machine listings as well as older and modern video slots. Even though you'll find a huge number of slots for sale, it’s still important that you perform some sort of due diligence before you start bidding. The first step involves checking out the reputation of the company you're dealing with.

Is it Better to use Online Sales or Auction Sites?

One question you need to ask yourself is whether you want to pay for a previously used machine or a brand new one. This leads us to another question. Whether you want to buy online from a dealer or go through an auction website. In truth, all of these options have their pros and cons. However, at its most basic there is going to be a large price difference between a new and a second-hand slot machine.

Probably the biggest benefit of utilising a reputable company, as opposed to going through an online auction site, is the fact that you are able to pay a fixed price. Furthermore, the slot will come with some sort of warranty, which means you'll be able to reach out to the company should it develop any problems down the road. It's a given that you should expect to pay slightly more for this better service. Therefore, if you have the money to spend, then we suggest this is probably your best option. Simply because you'll have better service along with some form of guarantee.

Using an online auction site is a great option if you're looking to both save money and find the biggest selection of casino slot machines. The only hassle you'll have to deal with is the bidding. Also, there's always a slight risk of being scammed when buying anything online.

If you have the funds, then you're much better off using a reputable company, which has an online shop for you to look at the stock. Then when you purchase, you'll receive a guarantee. In addition, you’ll be buying from a company that is actively interested in the casino industry and know all the ins and outs of slot machines, the programming, and the gaming titles. At the end of the day, the choice between buying from an auction site and purchasing from a reputable dealer is down to you and your budget.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Slot Machine

If you enjoy playing the slots as a pastime, then we can certainly understand your excitement if you're planning to buy a slot machine for your own home. On the one hand, it's a big purchase from a financial point of view, and on the other, you're probably planning all those evenings playing and socialising with your friends.

However, before you jump in and make your purchase, there are some essential factors you should consider. Below we've made a brief list of the key things you should keep an eye out for before you buy a casino slot machine for your games room or home.

These Things are Huge and Heavy

Because most land-based casinos have massive gaming floors with high ceilings, then you may not realise the actual size and scale of the slot machines when playing on them. Some of these machines are huge. Therefore, you need to be certain that there’s space in your home to place it comfortably.

Thanks to both the size and weight of the machine, it's not enough to ensure you have enough space to set it up, but also you should consider how you’re actually going to get it into position. An example would be if you live in an upstairs flat or if it needs to be carried through many corridors. Think about it’s route to your home carefully, as any obstacles will put up the cost of delivery considerably.

We suggest that you have all the measurements of the space where you want to put the machine along with those of the slot machine itself. Then you'll have a better idea of how you’re going to move it from the delivery truck to its final resting place.

Keep an Eye on the Costs

If you decide to buy from a retailer then the price is fixed. This means you'll be able to calculate any additional costs on top of the purchase price and find a comfortable total. However, if you're planning to use an auction site like eBay, then take care because the prices look low at the beginning of bidding. This doesn't mean it can't go up. It's often the case that as the end of the auction approaches, the amount of bidding increases dramatically with the price shooting up accordingly.

Make sure that you have a pre-set limit on your spending; otherwise, it's very easy to be taken in by the excitement of the whole bidding process. One thing you don't want is to pay over the odds for a machine. At the same time, you don't want to blow all your money and then struggle with the shipping cost, which may be substantial.

They Will Need Repairs

Just like buying any second-hand machine, be it a car or washing machine, you must build in the cost of any repairs that you'll probably have coming your way. Even if the machine is advertised as mint condition, it may still need some form of light refurbishment. Once again, it's important that you have this maintenance money put aside before you start looking. Keep in mind that all machines will go wrong at some point. Therefore, it's important that you have the funds to cover these unexpected costs. After all, nothing is going to be more of a downer than constantly passing a slot machine in your own house yet be unable to play it because it’s broken and you lack the funds to repair it.

Choosing a Slot Machine

If you fire up the internet, you'll find literally thousands of different types of slot machines on sale. In some ways, this can lead to a predicament caused by having too much choice. So how do you know which slot you should buy? How do you go about determining whether it's the best slot for you?

Before you start looking online, you should think about the type of machine you're after. Some people desire a vintage machine or a collector’s item so it becomes a talking point. Others prefer a brand new slot machine or video slot. Perhaps they like the gameplay along with all the bonus games and bonus spins.

A Classic or Modern Slot Machine

You should also consider whether you really want a machine that's technologically advanced or one that features more mechanical parts. On the whole, older machines make excellent purchases for collectors by dint of them being mechanical. However, you may find you're spending a lot more money as they continuously need maintenance just to stop them from breaking down.

Buying a slot machine for your home is a decision that comes down to your personal preferences. Just like any other large purchase, it's important to do your research first. Start by whittling down a list based on what you like, the gameplay, size, and whether there are any guarantees on offer.

Also, it's a good idea to be patient. If you have a particular slot in mind, but you can't find it on any marketplace, then you may have to wait until it comes up for sale. However, this will give you plenty of time to do all the homework that's needed before you make the final purchase.