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Custom Cabinet Legality Question

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aphraxad:

Hey guys,
   I built my first MAME cabinet last year and I'm currently in the process of trying to open a video game themed pub here in Finland.  My plan was to build 5 more cabinets and have free classic games in the bar.  My question is, how can I do this legally?  Is there a place that I can get MAME compatible roms?  Or if I do PCB builds, am I above board if I buy those jamma boards with a bunch of classics on them?

I want all of my machines to have variety of free to play games, and have a uniform look that matches the bar interior, but at the same time, I want to make sure i'm not going to get in any trouble. 

yotsuya:


--- Quote from: aphraxad on December 04, 2014, 11:00:44 am ---Hey guys,
   I built my first MAME cabinet last year and I'm currently in the process of trying to open a video game themed pub here in Finland.  My plan was to build 5 more cabinets and have free classic games in the bar.  My question is, how can I do this legally?  Is there a place that I can get MAME compatible roms?  Or if I do PCB builds, am I above board if I buy those jamma boards with a bunch of classics on them?

I want all of my machines to have variety of free to play games, and have a uniform look that matches the bar interior, but at the same time, I want to make sure i'm not going to get in any trouble.

--- End quote ---

Legally, your best bet is to just try and find 6 original cabinets.

Using MAME or any multiboard using MAME isn't technically legal. I don't know how strictly they enforce things in Finland, so you may never get into trouble, but if you go letter-of-the-law, you shouldn't be doing it.

Cue PinballJames in 3..2..1..

Generic Eric:


--- Quote from: aphraxad on December 04, 2014, 11:00:44 am ---I want all of my machines to have variety of free to play games, and have a uniform look that matches the bar interior.

--- End quote ---

You don't need MAME for this.  Find 5 or 6 games that have freeplay.  Build custom cabinets.  Done.

JDFan:

As Yotsuya mentioned the xx in 1 PCB are actually not technically legal (though many are used that way and it's doubtful anyone would press the issue - esp. if you are using them for freeplay) so would be about the same as setting up a MAME system as far as legalities go.

One option to keep it legal that would work would be to use the Jakks Plug and play game units that have several classic games - since they are sold for use and can be adapted to be used with arcade buttons and joysticks with a small amount of soldering to the units. Another option would be getting an older Console or PC (XBOX 360 etc.) that has some arcade games released for it and use those as the systems in the builds.

pbj:

Maybe if you're planning on opening a business you ought to go talk to a lawyer?

 :applaud:



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