Us Code § 1171 - Definitions

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1171 — Definitions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1171. Definitions

As used in this chapter—

(a) The term "gambling device" means—

(1) any so-called "slot machine" or any other machine or mechanical device an essential part of which is a drum or reel with insignia thereon, and (A) which when operated may deliver, as the result of the application of an element of chance, any money or property, or (B) by the operation of which a person may become entitled to receive, as the result of the application of an element of chance, any money or property; or

(2) any other machine or mechanical device (including, but not limited to, roulette wheels and similar devices) designed and manufactured primarily for use in connection with gambling, and (A) which when operated may deliver, as the result of the application of an element of chance, any money or property, or (B) by the operation of which a person may become entitled to receive, as the result of the application of an element of chance, any money or property; or

(3) any subassembly or essential part intended to be used in connection with any such machine or mechanical device, but which is not attached to any such machine or mechanical device as a constituent part.


(b) The term "State" includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.

(c) The term "possession of the United States" means any possession of the United States which is not named in paragraph 1 (b) of this section.

(d) The term "interstate or foreign commerce" means commerce (1) between any State or possession of the United States and any place outside of such State or possession, or (2) between points in the same State or possession of the United States but through any place outside thereof.

(e) The term "intrastate commerce" means commerce wholly within one State or possession of the United States.

(f) The term "boundaries" has the same meaning given that term in section 1301 of title 43.

(Jan. 2, 1951, ch. 1194, §1, 64 Stat. 1134; Pub. L. 87–840, §§2, 3, Oct. 18, 1962, 76 Stat. 1075; Pub. L. 102–251, title II, §202(c), Mar. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 62.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1992—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–251 added subsec. (f).

1962—Subsec. (a)(2), (3). Pub. L. 87–840, §2, substituted provisions including machines and mechanical devices designed and manufactured primarily for gambling by the operation of which a person may become entitled to receive, as the result of chance, any money or property, for provisions which included machines or mechanical devices designed and manufactured to operate by inserting a coin, token, or similar object, in par. (2), and inserted ", but which is not attached to any such machine or mechanical device as a constituent part", in par. (3).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–840, §3, substituted "the District of Columbia" for "Alaska, Hawaii".

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 87–840, §3, added subsecs. (d) and (e).


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1962 Amendment

Pub. L. 87–840, §7, Oct. 18, 1962, 76 Stat. 1077, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [enacting section 1178 of this title and amending this section and sections 1172 and 1173 of this title] shall take effect on the sixtieth day after the date of its enactment [Oct. 18, 1962]."

Short Title of 1962 Amendment

Pub. L. 87–840, §1, Oct. 18, 1962, 76 Stat. 1075, provided: "That this Act [enacting section 1178 of this title and amending this section and sections 1172 and 1173 of this title] may be cited as the 'Gambling Devices Act of 1962'."

Short Title

Act Jan. 2, 1951, which enacted this chapter and a note set out under this section, is popularly known as the "Gambling Devices Transportation Act".

Separability

Act Jan. 2, 1951, ch. 1194, §8, 64 Stat. 1136, provided that: "If any provision of this Act [this chapter] or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Act [this chapter] which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act [this chapter] are declared to be severable."

1 So in original. Probably should be "subsection".

About This Section

15 U.S.C. § 1171 is part of Title 15 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 15 U.S.C. § 1171. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1171

What does United States Code § 1171 cover?

Section 1171 ("Definitions") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 1171?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1171" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 1171 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.