Certain Types of Coin Games and Similar Contrivances — Definitions
San Diego Municipal Code § 56.20
in effect§56.20 Certain Types of Coin Games and Similar Contrivances — Definitions
For the purposes of this Section, the following terms are defined as hereinafter set forth:
(a) “Pin Ball Game.” Any table, cabinet or mechanism equipped for the playing of any game whereby any marble, ball, pellet or other moving object is propelled, released, rolled or shot along, over or above a surface set with pins, pegs or other obstructions or irregularities which deflect or impede the course of the moving object or which may divert or direct it beyond the control of the player.
(b) “Marble Game.” Any table, cabinet or stand equipped for the playing of a game whereby marbles or balls are, with the aid of a mechanical plunger or other affixed device, propelled, released, shot or rolled so as to drop or come to rest in holes, slots, cups or traps, resulting in a score or tally being electrically or otherwise registered or shown, which score or tally depends upon the course followed or point reached by the marble or ball or upon the contact points touched by it along its course, or upon any combination of such factors.
(c) The phrase “any game similar to a marble game” shall mean: “Balley–Alley” and other miniature mechanical bowling game device, by whatever name called: any table, cabinet or mechanical device equipped for the playing of any game whereby any marble, ball, pellet or any moving object is propelled, rolled, shot or released toward a goal, pin, set of pins, or other objective by means of any plunger, ejector, mechanical bat, mechanical hand or by means of any other striking or releasing mechanism which is affixed or attached to the table or cabinet or which is an integral part of the mechanical device of which is mechanically manipulated, controlled or guided, and which game is so contrived that, at the conclusion of the operation or play thereof the score or result of play thereof is visible or otherwise discernible so as to permit or make practicable the paying off or awarding of a price or reward upon the operation or play of the game.
d) “Claw,” “Hook” or “Grab” Machine. Any amusement machine or device so designed that articles placed or heaped therein for the purpose of the game may be grabbed, hooked, or otherwise displayed, recovered or removed by the operation of any contrivance simulating in miniature a power–shovel, clamshell, dragline, or similar excavating tool or machine; it being the intent hereby to include machines or devices which do not deliver, disgorge or eject any article contained therein, or permit the operator to obtain possession of any such article or duplicate thereof.
(e) “Horse Racing Machine.” Any mechanically operated amusement machine or device contrived to simulate in miniature the running of a horse race or any other race run by beasts, humans or machines, or which is contrived to put in motion any number of objects or symbols which then do, or appear to, run or move against each other in the manner of a miniature race, or which is designed to represent, by symbols, the running of any race and the order of the finish thereof.
(Incorp. 1–22–1952 by O–5046 N.S., contained in O–2429 N.S. adopted 4–28–1942.)
Source: City of San Diego Office of the City Clerk, San Diego Municipal Code and City Charter (docs.sandiego.gov PDFs)URL: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art06Division00.pdf#page=7Fetched: 10/28/2026