Plano, TX Gambling & Gaming: Game Room Regulations (2026)

Chapter 11, Article VII of the Plano Code of Ordinances still regulates "coin-operated machines," a term the code defines broadly to include music coin-operated machines and "skill or pleasure coin-operated machines", devices operated for amusement or pleasure, expressly listing marble machines, miniature racetrack, football, golf and bowling machines and similar devices (§ 11-246). Two operating restrictions remain in force under § 11-251: an operator may not permit alcohol sale, purchase, possession or consumption on the premises unless separately licensed, and may not permit play by any public or private elementary or secondary school student during school hours while Plano ISD schools are in regular session.

Section 11-252 requires every operator to affix a sign on each coin-operated machine reading, "Play by any elementary or secondary school student during school hours is prohibited. " Violation of the article is a misdemeanor under § 11-247, punished per the general penalty in § 1-4. Note that the article's former Divisions 2 and 3, which had set up permits and an occupation tax specifically for coin-operated machine owners and operators, were repealed by Ord. No. 90-8-10 in 1990, so Plano currently regulates these machines through the location buffer, the school-hours ban, and the signage mandate rather than through a standalone game-room permit or license.