{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "penal", "section": "225.32", "citation": "Penal Law § 225.32", "heading": "Possession of a gambling device; defenses", "text": ["§ 225.32 Possession of a gambling device; defenses.", "1. In any prosecution for possession of a gambling device specified in subdivision one of section 225.30 of this article, it is an affirmative defense that: (a) the slot machine possessed by the defendant was neither used nor intended to be used in the operation or promotion of unlawful gambling activity or enterprise and that such slot machine is an antique; for purposes of this section proof that a slot machine was manufactured prior to nineteen hundred forty-one shall be conclusive proof that such a machine is an antique; (b) the slot machine possessed by the defendant was manufactured or assembled by the defendant for the sole purpose of transporting such slot machine in a sealed container to a jurisdiction outside this state for purposes which are lawful in such outside jurisdiction; or (c) the slot machine possessed by the defendant was neither used nor intended to be used in the operation or promotion of unlawful gambling activity or enterprise, is more than thirty years old, and such possession takes place in the defendant's home.", "2. Where a defendant raises an affirmative defense provided by subdivision one hereof, any slot machine seized from the defendant shall not be destroyed, or otherwise altered until a final court determination is rendered. In a final court determination rendered in favor of said defendant, such slot machine shall be returned, forthwith, to said defendant, notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary."], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/225.32", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "This gives affirmative defenses to slot-machine possession charges and protects seized machines.\n- **(1)(a)** For a **§ 225.30(1)** charge, it is an affirmative defense that the slot machine was not used or intended for unlawful gambling and is antique; manufacture **before 1941 conclusively proves** it is antique.\n- **(1)(b)** It is also a defense that the defendant made or assembled it **only to transport it in a sealed container to a jurisdiction outside New York** where that purpose is lawful.\n- **(1)(c)** It is also a defense that the machine was not used or intended for unlawful gambling, is **more than 30 years old**, and was possessed in the defendant’s home. ★\n- **(2)** Once such a defense is raised, the seized machine **shall not be destroyed or altered until a final court determination**, and after a final determination for the defendant it **shall be returned forthwith**.", "in_force_on": "2026-05-31", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/penal/225.32", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}