Here’s the Ticket!
As originally reported in the Orlando Sentinel and in our industry trade magazines, Walt Disney World has removed redemption games and merchandise dispensing games and shut down the redemption prize centers from its arcades in the Park. No reason was given but many believe it is related to the 2013 Florida law that banned Internet cafes and video sweepstakes machines by limiting redemption point wins to 75 cents/play and only permitting games to be operated on coins, not currency or debit cards. Even under these constraints, only locations with 50 or more of these category games would comply.
What this could mean? Many believe that this move by Disney was made to avoid the possibility of being sued, as have Dave & Busters and Chuck E Cheese, by the Florida Arcade & Bingo Association of the new very broadly written law, who argue that some of the redemption games are illegal and selective enforcement is occurring. Disney’s action came right after a correction bill was introduced by State Senator Kelli Stargel (Disney’s district) that would raise the prize limit to $5.25, permit games to be operated by currency or debit cards and remove/reduce the 50 game minimum requirement to be an amusement center.
It makes sense that Disney may be getting involved in pushing for changes in the Florida law that will help the amusement game industry. If this is the case, then why has Disney not yet removed redemption and merchandiser games from 5 of its hotel’s? If Disney was afraid of the negative publicity of being sued, then why keep the games in the 5 hotels and still risk the possibility of getting sued. The Dave & Busters and Chuck E Cheese suits are still on-going. The Florida law will certainly get corrected and there is enough support for this throughout Florida without Disney leading the way. So, what else could be going on? Maybe nothing but there could be other reasons. Is it possible that Disney would ever consider getting involved in casino gaming? No, that would not make any sense at all? Could other competitors in the region be considering gaming? As the old saying goes, ‘just follow the money.’
