16-222 C.M.R. ch. 8
Summary: These proposed rules describe the requirements that must be met in order for a "crane" or "claw" machine to qualify as a game of skill as defined in 17 M.R.S.A. §330(2-A). The failure to meet with the requirements prescribed by these rules means that a "crane" or "claw" machine shall be considered a game of chance [17 M.R.S.A. §330(2)], and a machine [17 M.R.S.A. §330(3-A)] and shall, therefore, be prohibited in the State of Maine. [17 M.R.S.A. §332(3)] These rules also explain the reports that must be filed with the Maine State Police in order for "crane" or "claw" machines to be lawfully distributed in Maine.
IF RULES 8.02 THROUGH 8.14 ARE NOT COMPLIED WITH, A CRANE OR CLAW MACHINE WILL BE CONSIDERED A GAME OF CHANCE.
A. Crane machine or claw machine. "Crane machine" or "claw machine" means any machine, including electronic devices, however operated, the internal mechanism or components of which, when set in motion or activated, picks up something of value which may be received by the person playing or operating the machine.
B. Distributor. 'Distributor' shall mean a person, firm corporation, association or organization that sells, markets, leases or otherwise distributes crane or claw machines.
C. Manufacturer. "Manufacturer" shall mean a person, firm, corporation, association or organization that builds, makes or otherwise produces crane or claw machines.
8.02 The crane or claw machine's circuit boards must be pre-set and non-adjustable.
8.03 Crane or claw cabinet must be level so that when the crane's or claw's calipers make the vertical descent they are perpendicular to the bottom of the prize access area and parallel to the cabinet sides. The calipers must remain perpendicular throughout the descent.
8.04 The crane's or claw's calipers must have complete 100% access to prizes.
8.05 The crane's or claw's calipers in the closed position shall contact each other. A 1/4" tolerance will be allowed.
8.06 The crane's or claw's calipers shall be set at the maximum opening and shall be
non-adjustable.
8.07 Calipers shall work consistently in each and every play. There shall be no electronic, mechanical or any other kind of component that will cause the tension of the calipers to vary from one play to another.
8.08 Upon picking up a prize, the caliper tension must be such that the calipers hold onto the prize until it is released into the prize chute to be claimed by the player.
8.09 The crane's or claw's calipers in the open position must be able to encompass the prize with clearance between the prize and calipers.
8.10 Merchandise used as prizes shall not exceed a fair market wholesale value of $15.00 per prize. At no time shall cash be awarded as a prize.
8.11 Prizes must be loose and shall not be packed or arranged in such a way as to prevent the crane's or claw's calipers from grasping and lifting them.
8.12 The crane or claw machine must have joystick control and player must be able to control the crane or claw both horizontally and vertically over 100% of the playing area. (If the crane or claw can be lowered each and every play without rotating, swaying, or changing direction in any way, then the mandate to control the crane or claw vertically may not be required).
8.13 The minimum playing time is 15 seconds for each and every play. This playing time could be required to be greater than 15 seconds, depending on the speed of the horizontal and vertical movements. The playing time shall be displayed an a LED display visible to the player and shall operate in the count-down mode so as to keep the player informed as to how much time is remaining. The playing time shall also be displayed on the cabinet, clearly visible to the player, to inform the player of the time allotted for each play. The timing shall not start until the joystick is first engaged.
8.14 Instructions for playing the crane or claw machine shall be displayed on the cabinet, clearly visible to the player.
8.15 All distributors of crane or claw machines wishing to distribute crane or claw machines in the State of Maine must first contact the Licensing Division of the Maine State Police. Each variety, model, brand or type of crane or claw machine must be inspected by the Licensing Division of the Maine State Police prior to its distribution. Approval is based on compliance with these rules.
8.16 Upon approval of a variety, model, brand or type of crane or claw machine by the Licensing Division of the Maine State Police, any changes, alterations or modifications to the approved variety, model, brand or type of crane or claw machine, without the authorization of the Licensing Division of the Maine State
Police, is prohibited.
8.17 Manufacturers shall provide the Licensing Division of the Maine State Police a list of all crane or claw machines sold or supplied to distributors for distribution in Maine and a list of all crane or claw machines-sold or supplied to any other organization, person, firm, corporation, or company located in Maine. The list shall contain the information required on forms prescribed by the Chief of the State Police.
8.18 Distributors shall provide the Licensing Division of the Maine State Police a distribution list of all crane and claw machines distributed, placed, or located in Maine. The distribution list shall contain the information required on forms prescribed by the Chief of the State Police.
8.19 Distributors of crane or claw machines shall verify and insure that the crane or claw machines have been approved for distribution in Maine prior to their distribution.
8.20 The potential variables associated with the operation of each variety, model, brand or type of crane or claw machine may require additional rules in the future to prevent crane or claw machines from becoming a game of chance. Moreover, a crane or claw machine will still be considered a game of chance, even if it complies with these rules, if it otherwise qualifies as a game of chance as defined in 17 M.R.S.A. §330 (2).
AUTHORITY: 17 M.R.S.A. 5343
EFFECTIVE DATE: June 21, 1988