Definitions.

Houston Code of Ordinances § 44-82

in effect

Sec. 44-82. - Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Coin-operated machines means and includes every machine or device of any kind or character operated by or with coins, metal slugs, tokens, credit, debit or other electronic cards, checks or similar objects. A machine designed and manufactured to be so operated, but which is operated by payment of a fee for its use is included in this definition. Music coin-operated machines and skill and pleasure coin-operated machines, as those terms are hereafter defined, shall be included in such term. Director means the director of the department of administration and regulatory affairs or his designee. Merchandise coin-operated machine means and includes every coin-operated machine of any kind which dispenses or vends, or which is used or operated for dispensing or vending merchandise, commodities, or confections. The following are expressly included within such term: candy machines, gum machines, sandwich machines, handkerchief machines and sanitary drink cup machines. Music coin-operated machine means and includes every coin-operated machine of any kind or character which dispenses or vends, or which is used or operated for dispensing or vending music. The following are expressly included within such term: coin-operated phonographs, pianos, gramophones, radios and all other coin-operated machines which dispense or vend music. Operator means and includes any person who exhibits, displays or permits to be exhibited or displayed, in his or its place of business or upon premises under his or its control, any coin-operated machine in the city. Owner means and includes any person owning or having the care, control, management or possession of any coin-operated machine in the city. The owner is solely responsible for paying to the city the occupation tax on each coin-operated machine exhibited or displayed within the city and for securing the city decal evidencing payment of such tax on each coin-operated machine. Properly displayed means that the decal required by section 44-83 of this Code is affixed to a machine subject to this article in the manner required by section 44-85 of this Code. Property owner means any person that owns, controls, leases or manages a building or location where coin-operated machines are displayed or exhibited and includes any agent of the property owner. Service coin-operated machine means and includes pay toilets, pay telephones and all other machines or devices which dispense service only and not merchandise, music, skill or pleasure. Skill or pleasure coin-operated machine means and includes every coin-operated machine of any kind or character whatsoever, when such machine dispenses or is capable of being used or operated for amusement or pleasure, or when such machine is operated for the purpose of dispensing or affording skill or pleasure or for any other purpose other than the dispensing or vending of merchandise, music or service exclusively, as those terms are defined herein. The following are expressly included within such term: marble machines, marble table machines, marble-shooting machines, miniature race track machines, miniature football machines, miniature golf machines, miniature bowling machines, billiard tables and all other coin-operated machines which dispense or afford skill or pleasure. Every machine or device of any kind or character which dispenses or vends merchandise, commodities or confections or plays music in connection with or in addition to such games or dispensing of skill or pleasure shall be considered a skill or pleasure coin-operated machine. (Code 1968, § 44-72; Ord. No. 75-1800, § 1, 10-7-75; Ord. No. 08-188, § 1, 3-5-08; Ord. No. 09-867, § 2, 9-23-09)

Source: City of Houston, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH44TA_ARTIISPOCTA_DIV2COERMA_S44-82DEFetched: 10/26/2026