Is this an old person hobby?

[pj waelti]

I'm 61 and it seems a lot of people that I talk to are even older than me. Makes me feel young. Ha. Any young people collecting slots? Just curious. Pj

[J57T]

When I was 30 years old, grade school-ers yelled from their passing school bus "Hey old man, what cha doing there?" At 35 my peers suspected me of being "retired" cuz I did not have a 9-5 job (I actually work 12-14 hour days). Those younger, think I am old. Those older, think I am young. I have collected very specific slots for a few years. To me, this hobby (and business for some) is intellectually stimulating, no matter what your calendar age might be. I am a 49 year old farmer and forester.

[WikiSlots]

LOL ... great topic. I'm 44 and just started this year on antique slots. I was into electronic slots/poker prior to that. I've got three thus far since I started four months ago, but after my overindulgence in the electronic slots, I'll probably stop at this point. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a cast iron some day and I can't say that if I found another at the right price that I would turn it away.

I agree with J57T that it's an intellectual hobby. Seems most collectors are into engineering type of fields (mechanical, electrical, computer programming, etc.) and that covers all ages.

-Dave M

[marsonion]

The short answer is YES.

The long answer is you gotta have some respect for what people who were a lot more intelligent and resourceful (per capita) could put together with a drill press and a ball-peen hammer back-when. I collect back issues of Science and Invention just so I can read the words of men who don't sound like dipshits.

I was born when there were only 49 stars on the Flag, so, yeah, I'm "old."

[TheFatman]

I have to agree with you about this being a "Old Person Hobby" I am one of them. I LOVE OLD SLOTS and other mechanical machines, so I guess its an OLD person hobby. I do see a big decline in interest in the younger generation. And some of that falls on us, but not the major part. Technology advances have taken interest from the family passing down hobby loves. The kids now adays, are more intent on being individuals influenced by their friends and not being influenced by their elders. i feel we have to interest the future collectors with the intrigue of " There is no other kids around who know how to rebuild these machines" because anybody can buy a restored machine, but it takes an artist to restore one. I missed it a little with my kids... lost my son to pinball machines and not slots. But at least he does have the bug and will tackle any machine I locate for him. Plannig on doing just that this Christmas when I go to Atlanta. The industry has changed as far as the casinos go. Now, every machine is TITO and they simulate the sounds of coins hitting the tray at cash out, what a dissapointment. The industry went from coins out at every win, to coins are held on a meter and you have to hit the "cash out" button to get your coins. Not anymore. But if the casinos are saving all that $$ by not having to handle coins, and that is a huge amount of labor cost. I dont see any increase to the player... just the casino pocket. .... Oh HELL ... just fell off my soap box ... and not planning to climb back on anytime soon .... thanks for the ear.
Dave F

[doc]

When I was young, things were made of metal. Things were durable. If something broke, it could be repaired. Fast forward decades, and it seems everything is made from plastic. If something breaks, which is generally expected within a few years, you throw it away. Buy a replacement, which is newer, weighs less, and is also made from plastic.

For me, antique slots have a great nostalgia factor to those times when things were solidly made and would, with care, last decades. If I could, I would have several cars from the 1940s. Until I get them, having slots will do just fine.

[pj waelti]

Personally I've found that as I got older I got more interested in 20th century history. Found myself watching gangster movies untouchables stuff like that. Slots are a real connection with history in my opinion. Thanks for all the replies pj

[YourBestBet]

Personally I've found that as I got older I got more interested in 20th century history. Found myself watching gangster movies untouchables stuff like that. Slots are a real connection with history in my opinion. Thanks for all the replies pj

I agree with you. I enjoy early 20th century history thru WWII. The mechanics of these old gambling devices and vendors also interested me when I started learning the hobby about 2.5 years ago. I'm now 31 with 11 machines. It's quite addicting!

[sam2002]

57 here ,been playing with these machines for 5 or so years and just find them to be fascinating .

[Frank]

It may be an old person hobby, but prices don't go up like they are in a dying hobby.