Council directs staff to craft coin‑operated machine ordinance that exempts pool/claw machines and limits video gaming to eight per location

The Gun Barrel City Council on May 27 gave staff direction to refine a draft ordinance that would update chapter 111 (amusements) to regulate coin‑operated machines.

City staff told council the draft aims to distinguish common coin‑operated amusement devices — such as pool tables, claw/crane machines and basketball or golf games — from video gaming devices often called "8‑liners." The proposed approach would continue to require registration for coin‑operated devices while placing numeric limits on video gaming machines.

Council members asked staff to draft language that would exempt pool tables and claw machines from numeric limits and to consider differences between restaurants with family seating and establishments with bar‑centric environments. After discussion, staff said it would work with the city attorney to craft definitions and a limit — council indicated consensus around a limit of eight video gaming machines for eligible entertainment venues.

City Manager (presenting) summarized existing registrations and noted some businesses remain unregistered; staff said inspection and registration follow‑up would occur after council provides ordinance direction. Moving forward, staff will deliver draft ordinance language that: clarifies machine categories; excludes physical skill/throw‑type games from the numeric limit; defines restaurant/bar environments; and proposes an eight‑machine cap for video gaming amusement machines where applicable.

Council emphasized a grace period and outreach for businesses to register and comply before enforcement measures are imposed.