How to Protect Yourself From Credit Card Fraud at Gas Stations
When you’re on the road, stopping at a gas station to fill up your tank and buy a quick snack can sometimes be boring. Adding slots to these “pit stops” can help keep people there for longer, and the games can also be lucrative for the store. These machines are known as gas slot machines, and they’re becoming more popular across the United States.
Credit card fraud at gas stations has become a major problem in recent years, especially as thieves have started using technology to steal patrons’ information. One such method is by attaching a device called a “skimmer” over a real credit card slot at the pump. These devices collect data as customers swipe their cards, and can even take photos of the cards. In some cases, the thieves can then use these stolen cards to make fraudulent transactions at a later time. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to protect yourself from this type of fraud.
A lot of people have mixed feelings about gas station slot machines. Some believe they’re a great way to pass the time, while others are skeptical of them because they don’t have the same quality as casinos. However, gas station slot machines can be a suitable alternative to casino slots for those who don’t want to travel far or don’t have enough money to gamble in a fully-licensed venue.
MISSOURI — Many people are used to seeing slot machines in regulated casinos, but they’re popping up at some gas stations and convenience stores as well. Some prosecutors aren’t happy about it, but the company that makes these games says they’re legal.
In fact, only two states in the US – Hawaii and Utah – outright ban all forms of gambling, and most other state laws allow convenience stores to install slot machines. However, these machines aren’t usually regulated, and they often don’t display payout percentages. In addition, the makers of these machines do not pay taxes that would be incurred if they were licensed as gambling establishments.
Unlike casino slots, which have a certain degree of skill involved in them, most of the games at gas stations and truck stops require no such thing. That’s because they’re considered “skill games” and lie within a gray area of the law. This makes them less regulated and easier to run without paying taxes. In some states, this means they don’t even have to register as a business. slot gas