Owners who exhibit or display, or permits others to exhibit or display any coin-operated machine in the City of Houston shall pay an annual occupation tax equal to one-fourth of the State of Texas tax.
Coin-operated machines include, but are not limited to:
- amusement redemption machines
- video games
- pool tables and other table games
- pinball machines
- music vending machines
- miniature bowling machines
- miniature golf machines
Properly display each decal on the proper machine.
Applicant must pay tax and obtain decals for each year coin-operated machine is operated in the City of Houston.
If the coin-operated machine is an amusement redemption machine, as defined by Ordinance, a Game Room permit must be obtained prior to the decals.
- Coin operated machine application that includes:
- the serial number, make and model, type and designated service location of each coin-operated machine
- Decals related to amusement redemption machines must be submitted on separate worksheets
- Applicant must have the authority to enter into transaction and have a State of Texas Coin Operator License
- Valid driver's license
- Method of payment: cash, check, cashier's check, money order, or debit/credit card
- Bring the completed application, supporting documents and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
- Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
Applications can be mailed or submitted by fax, but the applicant will be required to come to the Houston Permitting Center in order to pay and obtain the coin decals.
To request decals for newly acquired machines, complete the additional decals application. Fees are prorated quarterly.
- Renewal notice (mailed to each owner of previously registered machines at least 60 days prior to the account expiration date)
- Method of payment: cash, check, cashier's check, money order, or debit/credit card
If notice has not been received, contact 832-394-8803 and request a coin-operated decal application from ARA - Commercial Permitting & Enforcement.
- Bring the renewal notice and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
- Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
- Renewal notice (mailed to each owner of previously registered machines at least 60 days prior to the account expiration date)
- Method of payment: cash, check, cashier's check, money order, or debit/credit card
If notice has not been received, contact 832-394-8803 and request a coin-operated decal application from ARA - Commercial Permitting & Enforcement.
- Bring the renewal notice and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
- Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.