§ 78-341. Keeping or exhibiting gaming table, machine or device; penalty; seizure of table, machine or device; forfeiture of money used in such gaming.

It shall be unlawful for any person anywhere within the police jurisdiction of the city to keep or exhibit a gaming table, or any slot machine, multiple coin console machine, multiple coin console slot machine or device in the nature of a slot machine, or any other gaming table or device of like kind, under any denomination, or which has no name, whether the game, table, bank, machine or device is played with cards, dice or otherwise, or to be a partner, or concerned in interest, in keeping or exhibiting such table, bank, machine or gaming device of any character. In addition to any fine or imprisonment for the violation of this section, any such table, bank, machine or gaming device; and all money staked or exhibited to allure persons to bet at such table, or upon such gaming device, may be seized pursuant to an order or warrant of a court of competent jurisdiction; and the money so seized shall be forfeited to the city and paid over to the city treasurer; and the table, bank, machine or gaming device shall be completely destroyed. The provisions of this section shall not extend to coin-operated nonpayout machines with free play feature or to automatic weighing, measuring, musical and vending machines which are so constructed as to give a certain uniform and fair return in value or services for each coin deposited and in which there is no element of chance.

(Code 1975, § 18-25)

State law reference

Similar provisions, W. Va. Code § 61-10-1.