State v. Four Video Slot MacHines

Chandler, Acting Chief Justice:

At issue in this case is whether “Lucky 8 Line” machines are exempt from the provisions of S.C. Code Ann. § 12-21-2710 (Supp. 1993).1 The Magistrate held the machines in violation of the statute and ordered their destruction. The Circuit Court reversed the Magistrate’s finding and the State appeals.

We reverse.

A review of the essential facts reveals that “Lucky 8 Line” is a coin-operated machine with a video display designed to simulate a slot machine. The player inserts money and presses a button. A computer program causes the screens to roll and randomly stop,…