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MAME machine legalities

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ratzz:

Hi all,

A quick head scratcher.

I was wondering what the legalities are of owning a MAME machine and using it to make money from.

I know there are some free (I think) ROMS that are fully available to download and use. What about these?

I am not planning on doing this, I don't even plan to install a coin mech in mine. It was just a thought while I was reading through the forums.

Ratzz ...

Dire Radiant:

Specifically prohibited by the MAME license.

ratzz:

See! I knew someone more intelligent than me would know!

DaOld Man:

I think this would violate the copy rights of the games also.
Actually, legally, you can only own the roms if you own the games circuit board. (For most games).
I think to make money on them would not be covered even by that, but I could be wrong.
But this is a good subject.
I am thinking of opening an arcade, could be a good retirement job.
Does anyone know how one would get started on this?

Kaytrim:

This subject has been discussed many times over on these forums.  The only way legally to make money is to use the original game boards in a cabinet.  Even if you owned the game board you couldn't use MAME in the machine to make money.

If anyone is wanting to open an Arcade I wish them luck.  The demand just is not there like it used to be back in the 80's.

TTFN
Kaytrim

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