Peter C. Harvey, Attorney General

Division of Consumer Affairs
Reni Erdos, Director

For Immediate Release:
May 27, 2004

For Further Information Contact:
Genene Morris, Jeff Lamm
973-504-6327

NEWARK - Memorial Day weekend is almost here and with it comes the start of the summer vacation season. As New Jersey residents pack up to spend weekends at the Jersey shore, or make plans to spend a day at a fair or amusement park, Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos is cautioning them to beware of fraudulent amusement games.

"Amusement games are a big part of summertime fun," said Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos, "While most are operated honestly, there are games out there that are set up to defraud people who are looking to have a good time. We want the patrons of these games to be able to spot the fraudulent games so that they can avoid being the victims of unfair contests."

During a press conference at the Casino Pier at Seaside Heights today, Director Erdos noted that, as in years past, inspectors from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs' Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission will be among patrons of amusement games this summer working to make sure that games are not just fun, but operated legally.

"Our inspectors will be out in full force on board walks, at amusement parks and county fairs throughout New Jersey checking the games to make sure they're licensed and operated above-board," Director Erdos said. "Playing amusement games can be fun ' especially if you win. Our job is to make sure that your fun isn't thwarted by operators who fail to follow the rules."

Here are some tips Director Erdos is urging people to heed before they put their money down to play an amusement games.

• All games must be licensed. Look to see that the license is posted.
• Rules for games must be clearly posted. If you can't understand the rules, don't play the game.
• An operator can not change the rules of play during game play.
• An operator can only charge a maximum of $5.00 to play a game, and the price must be posted.
• An operator must give you your change back immediately. If he or she holds your change, he or she may try to make you continue to play the game and keep a running total of what you owe him or her.
• A prize must be labeled indicating what it takes to win it. If you can't figure out how to win a prize, be wary. If all you see are large expensive prizes, your chance of winning them may be small.
• If the game and the prizes look like they're too good to be true, DON'T PLAY!!!
• Know the games and what to look for. Obtain a complete set of rules of play for most amusement games at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/lgccc.htm Simply click on "Amusement Game Certification of Permissibility."

Here are some common ploys to look out for when playing these games:

Tag Balloon Dart Game

In this game, you throw a dart at a balloon. If the balloon breaks, you win the prize that is marked on the tag behind that balloon.

What to look for:

• A game board full of tags and very few balloons to break.
• Prizes of so many different sizes that you can't tell what you can win.

Bushel Basket Ball Toss

In this game, you toss a softball-type ball into a large basket or large plastic tub. If you can keep the ball in the tub, you win.

What to look for:

• An operator who shows you how the game is played, but not from the spot where you will be playing. The operator often stands closer and off to the side of the basket. You will be standing farther away and directly in front of the basket.
• An operator who tells you, after your ball hits the rim of the basket and goes in, that your try doesn't count because hitting the rim is a foul. Any ball that rests in the basket is a winner.

What to do if you've been cheated?

If you think you may have been cheated at an amusement game at the shore, an amusement park or a fair contact the Division of Consumer Affairs' Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission at (973) 273-8000 or send your complaint in writing to P.O. Box 46000, Newark, N.J. 07101.