Loose Change Magazine (Page 4)

Previous Page     Directory     Next Page

vv PUBLICATION SUSPENDED vv
JULY 1990 THROUGH DECEMBER 1990

June 1990

Ancient Slots of Nevada Read how the company’s well-known and respected founder, Mike Stone, accidentally stumbled into the gaming industry and how he successfully owns Ancient Slots and Antiques. The Mills F.O.K. WISE CRACKER Read how some collectors say an old standard slot machine becomes a new slot machine by putting some ethnic reel strips on it and a couple of new signs. Gambling and the Law: The Decade In Review Highlights of monumental gambling laws made in the past 10 years and also predictions. What Resorts’ Bankruptcy Means to Gamblers Gaming attorney I. Nelson Rose tells what Atlantic City’s resorts’ closure means to the average gambler. Dealers Suing Casinos Until recently, employees just didn’t sue the boss and live to tell about it. Gaming Tokens: A Precious Commodity Antique tokens are just as valuable as collecting rare coins. The Slot Machine Aptitude Test An employee of Ancient Slots and Antiques has devised his own S.A.T. (Slot Machine Aptitude Test). The winner receives a mini-video poker machine.

May 1990

Video Poker Machines . . . America’s Coin-Operated Gambling Craze Everything you wanted to know about video poker machines—but were afraid to ask—is included in this article. London’s ATEI Show . . . The Greatest Show on Earth, or Anywhere Else The Amusement Trade Exposition International is probably the world’s most elaborate display of coin-operated machines. This article offers a preview for those who are unable to travel to London. Craps: A Game on Shaky Ground An in-depth report explaining the reasons why craps is unpopular with the younger generation. Rigging the Lotteries Gaming attorney I. Nelson Rose describes clever attempts to cheat the lottery industry.

April 1990

Antique Slot Machines are No Gamble Author David Saul points out features that affect the value of antique slot machines and cautions readers about the pitfalls to avoid when purchasing an antique. The St. Louis Slot Machine Company Boasting an inventory of more than 200 slot machines, owners Tom Kolbrener and Jeff Frahm are ready to restore just about anything resembling a slot machine. The New Spring Loose Change Fun Fair Because the unprecedented spring show was a success, coin-op collectors can look forward to TWO Loose Change Fun Fairs. Bankrupt Resorts and the Casino Industry Gaming attorney I. Nelson Rose discusses some of the reasons behind the 17 percent failure rate of Atlantic City casinos. Regulation 14 This Regulation passed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board on September 25, 1989, has far-reaching impact on anyone buying or selling to the Nevada slot machine market. You Can’t Take It With You Gaming attorney I. Nelson Rose explains why dead gamblers must pay their gambling debts.

March 1990

Bugsy Siegel and His Desert Palace The fascinating life and times of Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel and the history of Flamingo—now known as the Flamingo Hilton. The Mirage Billed as an oasis in the desert, the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas must be the eighth wonder of the modern world. Video Poker Stirs Up Controversy Courts are split between the legality of casinos in bars and in amusement halls nationwide. A Slot Machine with Seniority The Mills BLACK CHERRY (circa 1946) is slot machine-licensed and is still operating in a Las Vegas store within a walking distance from the Vegas World Hotel. Future of Gambling Lies in California Surprisingly, the future of casino gambling was recently decided by trial judges in a state with no casino gambling—California! Bally’s Model 802 QUICK DRAW If you live in a 25-year state, you can own this machine in just two short years.

January/February 1990

MONEY HONEY: How Can You Forget Her? A complete with of more than 450 dash numbers, listing all original major sales. Nevada Draws the Line on Near Miss Slots Nevada gaming officials cracks down on "crooked" and "fixed" slot machines. The 1989 Loose Change Fun Fair Pasadena, California, September 30-October 1, 1989. A pictorial review of another highly successful event. Gambling Boom! Gambling Bust? What may be legal today could easily be outlawed tomorrow! Victorian Casino Antiques Auction Las Vegas, October 21-22, 1989. A complete list of bid prices on items of most interest at Roy Arrington’s auction. American Coin’s Cheatin’ Pokers Nevada gaming agents confiscate American Coin video poker machines and accuse the company of cheating its customers out of a win.

vv PUBLICATION SUSPENDED vv
JULY 1989 THROUGH DECEMBER 1989

June 1989

Tracking Down the Triples A pictorial review of triple models that most slot machine enthusiasts have never seen. The Coming Sports Betting Tidal Wave I. Nelson Rose predicts a bombardment of media advertising within five years by race and sports books. The Butterfield & Butterfield Auction On June 17, 1989, San Francisco was the backdrop for one of the largest California coin-op auctions in more than a decade. This report includes a complete list of bid prices (nearly 500), including NO SALE items. Congress Rewrites the Law Find out who will be winners—and losers—of the "Lottery Advertising Clarification Act," designed to allow the advertising of legal lotteries in states that have lotteries. Are You Prepared for an Unexpected Holdup? What to do and how to prepare yourself and your antique from getting into the hands of the wrong person.

May 1989

We Remember Bally Representing 70 years of Bally-who, Bob Harpling and Doc Kaufman recall some of the highlights of their company and experiences from their gaming past. The Case of the Stolen Jukebox Legal avenues given for collecting your stolen antique. The One-Armed Band-Aid A fictitious account of a talking slot machine that tells why some folks win and why others don’t. Cheating the Small-Time Gambler When taxpayers cheat the IRS, it’s a crime; when the IRS cheats the taxpayers, it’s all in the name of regulations. Although these regulations cheat the small-time gambler, the high-roller actually has an advantage. Loosening the Laws Against Sweepstakes Because of changes in sweepstakes laws, you’ll probably be getting more "winning" mail, not less. How much have you won? Collecting Gambling Debts Even if they’re from another country, deadbeat gamblers can still be prosecuted.

April 1989

The Glen Larson Story An exclusive pictorial of the TV producer’s collectibles and his biography. The Great Indian Gambling Pow Wow Some states are unhappy about Uncle Sam putting up matching funs for Indians to conduct a gambling enterprise on their reservations. Read why. Victorian Casino Antiques Auction Report A list of nearly 500 bid prices of Arrington’s auction held at the Tropicana Hotel on April 1-2, 1989. Tricky This guy bought a slot machine for . . . well, he wouldn’t say. But he sold it a few years later for less than $100. And he says he was happy to get the money! Could this be true? Yes. Find out why.

March 1989

Conquering Tom Watling’s Confusion This article will help collectors remember Watling models other than the ROL-A-TOP and BLUE SEAL. Watling’s Counter-Style Slot Machines A listing of all Watling’s counter-style slot machines, complete with published references. A Quick History of Slot Machines An easy-to-understand article for newcomers about the development stages of slot machines. The International Gaming Business Expo Las Vegas, February 22-23, 1989. This exposition included new slot machine innovations as well as refinements of the old. Arizona’s Accidental Casinos The idea of having casinos in Arizona with licenses, commissions or control boards may hurt the gaming industry. Fey’s LIBERTY BELL: What Really Happened Find out the truth from the myths behind Charles Fey’s turn-of-the-century classic. Paulson Dice & Card An inside look at the interesting aspects of manufacturing the tools of the trade. Prices: Victorian Casino Antiques Auctions A categorized list containing 1,080 bid prices for the past five Victorian Casino Antiques Auctions (November 1986-September 1988).

February 1989

Victorian Casino Antiques Auction A 25-year perspective of the man behind the huge collections and auctions of coin-op memorabilia. Tenth Annual Loose Change Fun Fair Pasadena, California, October 1-2, 1988. After a decade of success, this special event tipped the scales as the largest to date. For Amusement Only According to the sign, slot machines that refused to pay on a winning combination and then tell you that you had to play it again to receive what you were already supposed to have won were for amusement only.

January 1989

The Life and Times of Soapy Smith Join us for a romp through the life of America’s most lovable scoundrel and colorful scalawag. Changing the Law Unhappy with the laws of your state covering ownership of slot machines? Why don’t YOU change them? This article tells how it was done in Colorado. Is it a Business? Or Is it Just for Fun? Do you REALLY have a business, or are you stretching a point for tax reasons? This short piece will tell you exactly how the IRS will judge you. Las Vegas: The Early Days A fascinating account by a veteran historian telling how the present-day Las Vegas began. And it happened only 85 years ago. International Gaming Business Exposition Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, March 3-4, 1987. This trade show was filled with filled with more than 200 exhibits and a choice of 24 professional seminars offering an insider’s guide to nearly every aspect of the business. Legal States for Slot Machines An up-to-date listing of legal states for slot machines. Bally’s New Products Party More innovative slot machines manufactured by the gaming giant. Legality of Slot Machines Worldwide Have you ever wondered how many other countries have legalized gambling—slot machines in particular? The list is simply astounding.

vv PUBLICATION SUSPENDED vv
NOVEMBER 1986 THROUGH DECEMBER 1988

October 1986

The 1986 Loose Change Fun Fair Pasadena, California, October 4-5. This special event featured some of the rarest and most unique coin-operated products ever. Please Do Not Handle A thought-provoking look at those little signs and the legal implications behind them.

September 1986

Eagles/Others: Singing a Counter Drum Song Exploring the development of the counter drum (single-reel) slot machine and the reason for its demise. Update: Legal States For Slot Machines A comprehensive look at the laws and legislation for each state regarding slot-machine collection and possession. The Beginnings: Automatic Music Machines From player pianos to jukebox, this article will explore the origin of coin-operated music machines. Rosanna Harris’ Rocky Mountain Expo The editor of the "other" slot-machine periodical put on one humdinger of an antique show in Denver.

August 1986

Mr. Z. Makes Taking Chances Pay Off What began as a poker game in a friend’s basement turned out to be an expensive hobby of collecting valuable gambling machines for Chicago collector Frank Zygmunt. Talking Shop with the Krahls Tom and Holly Krahl of nearby Chicago provide a wide assortment of antique and unusual coin-operated collectibles in their store, Rec-Room Specialties. Bells of a Big Bad Wolf Once harassed by law enforcement officials, Oren Anderson and Zeke Wolf continue to do business of using original Mills tooling at the Auto-Bell Novelty Company—now a division of the Oren Anderson Company. The Last Waltz for Wurlitzer The last of a four-part series by Russell Ofria on the demise of the great jukebox giant.

July 1986

Counter Wheel Winner: SILVER CUP An insightful look at the confusing story behind the Mills SILVER CUP machine and the near-copycat model the BROWNIE. Wurlitzer: After the War Was Over The intense and successful media blitz after World War II made Wurlitzer a household word. Spilling the Old Advertising Beans High-caliber antique authorities Ralph and Terry Kovels are back, providing delightfully enlightening advertising trivia ranging from coffee slogans to toothpaste.

June 1986

How IGT Spells Success: S-S-L-O-T-S IGT’s formidably appealing S-SLOT has borrowed some things from the popularly established line of IGT FORTUNE machines, but the machines are also on the market’s cutting edge. 21st Century Jukebox With its laser-disc functioning and multi-monitor capacities, Video box just made more music machine history. Spotting Shoplifters at Shows & Sales Dr. Harold Gluck realistically presents the possible attitudes and behaviors of those making a five-finger discount.

May 1986

Of Dice & Men & Dominos Unraveling the secrets of the DOMINO machine, which is coming up in conversations between antique collectors. Wurlitzer Weathers the War During World War II, the jukebox giant had to shelve some of its primary function just to keep pace. Those Invidious Videos Law enforcement officials are paying a lot of attention to the sale and possession of slot machines with a video look. What Are You Buying? Legal Eagle Dr. Harold Gluck informs readers on how to be careful of specialty purchases. Legal States Update An up-to-date report on laws and legislations affecting gaming equipment in other states.

April 1986

MEGABUCKS: A New Idea for Nevada IGT introduces a statewide linkup of progressive slot-machine jackpots in Nevada that can run into the millions of dollars. The Gaming Business Show Las Vegas, March 4-5. The 1986 International Gaming Business Exposition featured displays of all types of gaming equipment worldwide, including slot machines and video poker machines that wiggled, talked, played on credit and even paid out. Baseball Bells: Major League Machines A look inside the vintage BASEBALL slot machine and the first intelligently comprehensive overview of a pseudo-genre collectible. 1940—And That’s The Way It Was On April 1, 1940, the Norton KANGAROO, one of the best-kept secrets in the industry, made its surprising and historical introduction.

March 1986

Watling’s Model 24 O.K. DELUXE An in-depth examination of the cast-iron treasure, the Watling O.K. DELUXE, with the most unique coin-handling system of that time. Wurlitzer’s Early Years The Rudolph Wurlitzer Company in the 1930s and 1940s went through numerous alterations in order to adapt to an ever-changing economic environment. Honest Johns: Putting Up False Fronts Were the Honest John machines introduced at the turn of the century live up to its namesake? Picking Up the Pieces of Our Past Going back to the "good old days" of Prohibition, racketeering and speakeasies. 1902—And That’s The Way It Was At the end of 1902, Tom Watling claimed to have "the largest slot machine factory in the world."

February 1986

Bally’s Alan Maiss: Great View from the Top It was a long time and long haul for his one-time, stockbroker and casino operator to get out of the women’s knitwear business and into the arms of Bally. Hoke’s SNAKES: Serpentine Slot Machines Rediscovering the many snakes and many fronts of Harry H. Hoke, Jr. Wurlitzer’s Pre-Jukebox Years The Adolph Wurlitzer Company during the early years wasn’t always the manufacturing giant of jukeboxes and phonographs. Bally’s M/742: A Honey for the Money An in-depth look at how Bally’s MONEY HONEY revolutionized the slot machine industry. Harrah’s Secret Slot Shop A behind-the-scenes look at William Harrah’s slot machine shop and laboratory for innovative and singularly unique slot machines.

January 1986

Bill & Rosanna: A Blueprint for Success When it comes to collecting antique slot machines and other memorabilia, the Harris' know how to do almost anything. Jukeboxes: Their Golden Years Jukeboxes made between 1937 and 1948 are classic collectibles that are popular in their own time as well as in ours. By Law: A Child-Safe Show Dr. Harold Gluck tells us what should be done to avoid legal problems when you admit minors to a slot machine show or sale. Forgotten Man: Dick Raven’s Story This relatively obscure entrepreneur has created not only slot machines, but also companies to produce them. EXPERIMENTAL: Harrah’s Idea of a Slot The story of the Harrah EXPERIMENTAL, a 1970s classic that hardly anyone knows about.

December 1985

Polk Figures: Bringin’ ‘em Back Alive Jim Schafer is determined to revive the Frank Polk line of machines. Antique Cowboys Frank Polk and Everett Brisendine have shared 55 years of ropin’, ridin’ and roundups. The Nickelodeon King Ken Caulkins is the brains and brawn behind the Ragtime Automated Musical Piano Company. Jennings’ Big Li’l BUCKAROO This four-reel-spinning cowboy-come-lately collectible eventually made it to the big-time. The Capehart Story: Part II More from Russ Ofria on Homer Capehart and the Packard Manufacturing Company. 1928—And That’s The Way It Was A New York Supreme Court Justice ruled that the AUTOMATIC SALESMAN slot machine is not a gambling device after all.

November 1985

The 1985 Loose Change Fun Fair The October 12-13 extravaganza in Pasadena, California proved to be the biggest little show machine show in the world. The Capehart Story: Part I A close look of the pioneer of the phonograph industry. Bally Slot Machines New-Models Party This event displayed a winning line of Bally products, including the SWEET SIXTEEN, TRIPLE PLAY and MONEY HONEY. The Slot At War: One Soldier’s View A Vietnam veteran remembers the unquestioning friendship between him and a Mills slot machine. The Fey SILVER DOLLAR By being assembled with everybody else’s parts, this model may be the original, first-ever "reproduction" machine. 1964—And That’s The Way It Was Construction of a new four-lane highway in Reno/Lake Tahoe increases business for the resorts.

October 1985

He Was Gonna Be An Auctioneer: Bally’s executive Don Britt has done it all—from being a policeman to slot machine collector. A fascinating story of Britt’s fascinating rise to the top. Chapter 677: California Slot Machine Statutes A complete text of the new slot machine laws in the Golden State. The Denver Slot Machine Fair Although small in size and turnout in the Mile-High City on August 24-25, the Fair always has what it takes for slot-machine enthusiasts. Fortuitous Family Finds Marshall Fey tells all about the discovery of his father’s rotary engine and a cleverly designed solenoid-operated mint vender. I Just Want a Jukebox for My Den Russ Ofria, Jr. discusses valuable tips on owning a classic jukebox at home. The All-American Collectors Show Glendale, California, August 24-25, 1985. This show revealed the beginnings of a substantial coin-machine group.

September 1985

The Ways and Means of Legislation Learning tricks to taking care of congressional business. Legal States for Collectors of Slot Machines All the latest changes made by legislative actions nationwide. A License to Make Slot Machines A sample letter of application included for manufacturing slot machines. Report to the Justice Department A full background and content about slot machine manufacturing to the state law enforcement agency that requested it. New Mexico Goes for 25-Year Law With a little help from the Colorado contingency, the Land of Enchantment has come up with a collector-friendly law. The Great Ohio Slot Machine Test A much stronger defense for slot machine enthusiasts is present in the Mills-Jennings cases involving confiscation of these collectibles. A Slot Machine Law Most Unique The definition of a slot machine in North Carolina has taken on new dimension through deletion and addition. Big Apple May Go All the Way New York is working on a law to make all slot machines legal. 1962—And That’s The Way It Was As of October 18, 1962, the Gambling Devices Act became law, which made Nevada legal—again.

August 1985

It’s A Zoo! A Circus! A Collection! Amazingly, the Farnum home has been transformed into a carnival for all antique collectors. Think Twice Before You Auction Peter Bilarczyk found out the hard way that auctioning off a collection is not nearly as easy as it sounds. Some helpful tips about auction action. You Need A Good Appraisal Dr. Harold Gluck reveals how to protect and to preserve collectibles and to secure professional appraisals. 1931—And That’s The Way It Was Gambling legalized in Nevada; Bally Manufacturing begins operations.

July 1985

Slots Are OK at A&P A unique blending of the old and new may be found in A&P Slots, Bob and Kelly Peccole’s shop for slot machine buffs and coin machine enthusiasts. Beginning of the End? Ray Eklund wonders if reproduction jukeboxes spell the end of the collectible period jukebox. Antique Arcade With Suntan Originally designed to house a huge car collection, the Bellm Museum in Sarasota, Florida now features the arcade coin-ups—those boardwalk beauties of bygone days. 1979—And That’s The Way It Was The popular, history-making Loose Change Fun Fair opened for the first time on October 1979 in Pasadena, California.

June 1985

Pace’s BANTAM: It’s No Lightweight An insightful picture-story look at how this machine became the goose that laid the golden egg for Ed Pace. A Floor Show of Twins & Triplets Whether twin, like the CENTAUR/ECLIPSE, or triplet, like the CENTAUR/ECLIPSE/LONE STAR, these marvelous slot machines get our full attention. Casino Antiques on the Auction Block Las Vegas, March 9-10, 1985. One-armed BANDITS were among the star attractions at Roy Arrington’s Victorian Casino Auction. 1985—And That’s The Way It Was A true story of how the Phantom Gambler, who won a cool million on one throw of the dice, later wound up dead in a motel room.

May 1985

Collecting Gaming Memorabilia An insightful look at how card tables, tokens, counters, dice, horns and other memorabilia are hot items in collecting circles. Happy, Happy Birthday, Harold's Club celebrates its 50th birthday, and everybody’s invited to the year-long birthday party. A pictorial-packed parade down the lane where memories live. The Credit Card Slot Machine With advanced technology, the advent of credit card-operated slot machines has become a reality for the Lott-O-Gold slot machine system from Kenilworth. 1953—And That’s The Way It Was The end of an era for the Mills Company as the Mills family sells out.

April 1985

Those Flippin’ Penny Machines These automatic payout slot machines are among the industry’s unsung sweethearts. Mills Novelty Company Rides Again Those irrepressible Mills boys come ridin’ back in, with jackpots drawn and ready to drop. Sounds of Money Talking Financial investor Lee Isgur offers reports and predictions on the status of video lottery machines. 1985 Gaming Business Exposition An inside look at an insiders party held at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the end of February. 1944—And That’s The Way It Was May 6, 1944: New Hampshire Senator Stephen Bridges lobbies to remove slot machines from military bases. For the fun of it, his side and another side of this issue are presented.

March 1985

The Tax Man Cometh to Collect Besides collecting slot machines, Ken Miller discovered the wonderful world of collecting 300 poison bottles. The Transformation of Hernando Cortez Designer Don Rock added his distinctive touches to the legendary figure for slot machines at the El Cortez Hotel in Las Vegas. 1980—And That’s The Way It Was All the humbugs, clampers and grand noble types in San Francisco remember Charles Fey as a monument is dedicated in his honor.

February 1985

A Most Extraordinary Store Billed as the largest retail store in the U.S. for coin-operated memorabilia, Chuck Neidinger’s Home Amusement Company of Rockville, Maryland, offers an endless variety of antique collectibles. The Reel Slot Machine Story Test your knowledge on questions about slot machines. Chicagoland In Fall The Chicagoland Antique Slot Machine and Advertising Show held November 1984 in the Windy City turned out to be a stomping ground for coin-op collectors. 1899—And That’s The Way It Was John "Bet A Million" Gates learned that a waiter bet HIM in a craps game and lost.

January 1985

Are Fronts Back? An insightful look at this new/old slot machine, the HOLE-IN-ONE, and some of its historic predecessors. Pinballs Part II The second installment of an in-depth examination of the world of pinball machines and the way they play. England’s Museum of Penny Slots A fascinating collection of antique slot machines in Brighton-by-the-Sea, England. The Collectible Jukebox Ray Eklund takes a tour of the all-American investment: the jukebox. The Luck of the Lottery Four states approved lotteries last November. A Californian explores its ultimate possibilities. Tips on Antiques Care Antique experts Ralph and Terry Kovel answer some oft-asked questions about the preservation of many different kinds of antiques. 1947—And That’s The Way It Was June 1947: Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel gambled for more than what he had bargained for.

Previous Page     Directory     Next Page