Coin pushers are arcade games that are filled with coins and sometimes prizes, including cash. While they are legal under federal law, coin pushers that offer cash prizes are outlawed in several US states. The game involves players dropping coins onto a platform that constantly moves back and forth, with the aim of setting off a chain reaction that will push coins or prizes off a second, stationary platform and into a payout tray. There are also coin pusher apps that offer similar experiences, with some claiming to offer cash prizes. However, reviews suggest that these apps may be scams that do not actually pay out.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Initial cost | The cost of buying a coin pusher machine |
Legal status | Legal under federal law, but outlawed in some states |
Maintenance cost | Cost of stocking the machine with coins and prizes |
Revenue | Money from players and YouTube revenue |
Competition | High competition from other coin pusher machines and online games |
Profitability | May not be profitable due to high maintenance costs and competition |
What You'll Learn
The legality of coin pushers varies across different states
Coin pushers are considered amusement games, and while they are legal under federal law, their legality varies across different states in the US. In Minnesota and Illinois, for example, coin pushers are permitted in casinos, but they must be licensed by the Department of Revenue. If a coin pusher in a casino is unlicensed, it is deemed illegal, and the casino itself could face closure.
Coin pushers that offer cash prizes are outlawed in several states. In California, for instance, coin pushers that offer cash prizes are explicitly prohibited, and some cities in the state have banned them due to their association with organised crime. However, in the City of Orange, Irvine, and Hollywood, California, coin pushers can still be found in certain arcades and entertainment venues.
The design of coin pushers makes it challenging to predict how coins will fall, leading to concerns about unfair payouts to players. This unpredictability, along with the varying state laws regarding gambling and games of chance, contributes to the varying legality of coin pushers across different states.
It is important to note that laws regarding the legality of coin pushers may change, and interested parties should always confirm the current legality of these machines with local authorities.
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Coin pushers are a common theme on YouTube, with some videos being scams
Coin pusher videos are a common theme on YouTube, with some channels attracting millions of views each week. However, many of these videos are fake, with scammers soliciting funds for their high-stakes "gambling".
John and Cheri, an Idaho couple, are enthusiasts of arcade games and coin pushers. When John was laid off in 2020, Cheri bought a coin pusher to cheer him up. They soon got bored of winning their own money and started a YouTube channel called "We Play You Win" to make their hobby more exciting. Their channel is humble and believable, and they make their live streams interactive by offering small prizes to viewers who correctly predict the outcomes of their games. They also invite their followers to chat in the comment sections and consider their fans as friends.
However, John and Cheri are frustrated with other coin pusher YouTubers who are scamming their viewers. These scammers tout huge "buy-ins" and even bigger wins, such as winning $10.8 million on a $2 million buy-in machine. In reality, they are operating out of their own homes, using their own coin pushers, and asking their followers to fund their "gambling" through donations or Patreon subscriptions.
Matt Magnone, a full-time arcade vlogger with 3 million followers, agrees that these fake videos ruin it for honest creators like himself. He says that when he first started, there was no competition, but now there are 20 channels, and the rigged competition has impacted his income. He also notes that being transparent and real with his audience is important, even if it means fewer views.
Joshua Bartley, another full-time content creator with 144,000 followers, shares similar sentiments. He tries to be honest with his audience and doesn't want to conduct himself in a way that would betray their trust. He has also faced accusations of faking his videos, which he strongly denies, even posting a video in 2019 showing off his surroundings to address his detractors.
John and Cheri believe that most of the new coin pusher channels are fake and are concerned that people will be scammed out of their money. They want viewers to know that much of what they're watching isn't real and that if such high-reward coin pushers existed, the internet would surely know about them.
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Coin pusher apps may be misleading and not pay out
One such app, Coin Pusher, has been downloaded over 1 million times and claims to offer free cash and prizes for winning games. However, users have reported that the app makes it extremely difficult to cash out, with some claiming that it is impossible to earn any money at all. The app also requires users to purchase more coins with real money or watch ads to continue playing, making it a frustrating and potentially costly experience.
Similar apps, such as Lucky Chip Spin, also advertise the ability to make money by playing, but it is unclear if they offer any legitimate payouts. These apps are immensely popular, with millions of downloads and thousands of reviews on the Google Play Store. However, a closer look at the reviews reveals that many users are disappointed and feel misled by the lack of payouts.
In addition to the misleading nature of the apps, there are also concerns about the privacy and security of user information. Some apps request access to sensitive data such as name, address, and credit card details, which could potentially be misused.
Overall, while coin pusher apps may seem like a fun and easy way to make money, they often fall short of their promises and may even be scams. Users should be cautious and carefully research any app before downloading and providing personal information or making in-app purchases.
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Coin pushers can be found at amusement arcades, carnivals and circuses
Coin pushers can be found at amusement arcades, carnivals, and circuses. They are games filled with coins and sometimes prizes, including cash. Players drop coins into the machine and onto a moving platform. The aim is to set off a chain reaction that will push coins or prizes off a second, stationary platform and into a payout tray below.
Coin pushers have been a staple of amusement arcades for decades. They are often found at seaside resorts, piers, and boardwalks, providing entertainment for people of all ages. While older machines used smaller denominations of coins, such as pennies, tuppennies, or nickels, modern coin pushers have transitioned to larger denominations, like 10p or even pound coins. This change has made the game more expensive for players, with some commenting that it now feels like a high-stakes game reserved for gambling addicts or those with substantial disposable income.
In addition to amusement arcades, coin pushers are also popular at carnivals and circuses. These travelling entertainment events often feature a variety of games and attractions, including coin pushers, which offer the thrill of winning prizes or even real money. The coin pusher machines at carnivals and circuses may have different themes or variations, adding to the excitement and appeal for players.
The popularity of coin pushers has also led to the development of virtual versions. There are now mobile apps and online games that simulate the coin pusher experience, allowing players to enjoy the game from the comfort of their homes. These digital versions often feature vibrant graphics, realistic physics, and the chance to win virtual prizes or jackpots.
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The cost of playing on a coin pusher varies
In the case of physical coin pushers, the cost of playing can be even higher. For example, one couple purchased their own coin pusher machine, which likely cost a significant amount of money. Additionally, they had to stock it with their own coins and prizes, further increasing the cost.
The cost of playing on a coin pusher can also depend on the location. For example, coin pushers in arcades or carnivals may have different prices than those in casinos.
It's important to note that the odds of winning on a coin pusher are often very low, and the cost of playing can add up quickly. This is especially true for the coin pusher apps, which are designed to be addictive and keep players spending money. In many cases, the apps don't even pay out, leaving players with nothing but a loss.
As such, it's crucial to be aware of the potential costs and risks associated with playing on a coin pusher before deciding to invest any money.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not a good investment. While it may seem tempting, real money coin pushers are not a good way to invest your money. These games are designed to make you spend more money than you will ever get back.
In a real money coin pusher game, you drop coins onto a platform that constantly moves back and forth. The aim is to set off a chain reaction that will push coins or prizes off a second, stationary platform and into a payout tray below. The timing of dropping the coins is key.
Yes, there are apps like "Push the Coin" that offer real money coin pusher games. However, reviews suggest that these apps do not pay out and are a waste of time.
Yes, there are legitimate ways to make money playing coin pusher games. Some people have reported success with apps like Coin Dozer, which offers Amazon gift cards as prizes. However, it is important to be cautious and do your research before investing time or money in any of these games.