What Happens to Old Slot Machines?

Ever since the boom of casinos one of the constants and ever presents has been slot machines. Over the decades the nature of slot machines have wildly changed. Whereas once they were operated by a simple lever, these days slot machines have taken on a life of their own and a whole raft of technology and graphical interfaces have been woven into them. 

It probably seems that every time you step into your favourite casino there is a new slot game to play, but that asks the question of what actually happens to slot machines once they are no longer needed? Well thankfully that’s where we come in, as we reveal much more in detail below. 

Sold for parts 

One of the most common things that can happen to an old slot machine is that the parts can be sold. It might not surprise you, but slot machines are expensive to produce and manufacture and the parts that make everything work can be expensive to source. 

Knowing this, slot manufacturers try to give each other a helping hand and may take the parts out of a discontinued slot machine and offer these parts back to the market. Used parts can be a lot cheaper than buying brand new ones and can help both the seller and new manufacturer.

Sold at auction 

Another common practice when it comes to discarding old slot machines is that some might be sold at auction. The audience for buying older slot machines is often two fold. Firstly rival manufacturers might want to take any old slot machines for either reuse in their gambling establishments or for parts. The second audience might be the general public.

There is a section of the public that are slot game enthusiasts and will closely follow the auction houses to see if slot machines are available for purchase. Some of this audience will strip the machines down for parts whereas others will physically house the games and keep them as collectibles. 

Auctions allow those selling slot machines the opportunity to recoup some money on their initial investments and offer a second life for machines which may have passed their sell-by date.

Slot machines can have new games installed 

One of the best things about owning slot machines is that in some cases, slot machines can house new games that might utilise similar software or they can be upgraded. 

Manufacturers might have a series of online slots that over time evolve. If the manufacturer wants to install the latest edition of a slot, it could be that they can simply change the SD card and graphical package into the old machine and the new game can be played.

Alternatively if the new game requires a new part, the slot machine can be upgraded and the new part installed. The addition of a new part will cut down the need to buy a new machine and keep an old slot machine going. 

Used as interiors 

It might be a funny thing to suggest but for some, old slot machines can be seen as the perfect item to help decorate interiors for both home and businesses. 

Some of the oldest slot machines give off a vintage vibe and fit perfectly into decor themed rooms that try to give off a retro feel. 

Often seen as a vital part to providing that feeling from yesteryear, you’d be surprised by how many people see old and discontinued slot machines as the ultimate accessory.