Upper Darby Township regulates the operation, maintenance, and use of jukeboxes and mechanical or electronic amusement devices within the Township.

Amusement device permits are required to ensure proper registration, taxation, and oversight of devices used for entertainment purposes in commercial establishments.

It is unlawful to operate, maintain, or permit the use of any jukebox or mechanical or electronic amusement device within Upper Darby Township without first obtaining the required permit and paying the applicable tax.

What is an Amusement Device

For the purposes of Township regulation, the following devices are considered amusement devices:

Jukebox

A music vending machine or device that operates upon insertion of a coin, token, or payment to produce music or similar entertainment.

Mechanical or Electronic Amusement Device

Any device, other than a jukebox, which operates upon insertion of a coin, token, or similar payment and is used for:

• Games
• Entertainment
• Amusement

This includes devices whether or not they:

• Register a score
• Offer a prize

Examples may include arcade machines, video game machines, and similar devices.

Who Must Obtain a Permit

Any person, business, or entity that operates, maintains, or permits the use of a jukebox or amusement device within the Township must obtain a permit.

This includes:

• Business owners
• Establishment operators
• Individuals or entities placing or leasing devices
• Any person collecting fees for the use of such devices

Permit Requirement

In accordance with Township regulations, a permit must be obtained for each jukebox or amusement device located within the Township.

• A separate permit is required for each individual device
• Permits must be obtained prior to placing the device into operation
• No permit will be issued unless the required tax has been paid

Permit Application

Applicants must submit a permit application to the Department of Licenses & Inspections.

The application must include:

• Name of the owner/operator (producer)
• Location of the device
• Description or type of device
• Any additional information required by the Township

Permit applications must be completed in full prior to review.

Amusement Device Tax

A tax is imposed on the privilege of operating or maintaining amusement devices within the Township.

Jukebox

• $100 per device per calendar year

Mechanical / Electronic Amusement Devices

• $200 per device per year for the first 10 devices per establishment
• $100 per device per year for each device exceeding 10 per establishment

Prorated Tax

If a business operates for less than a full calendar year, the tax may be prorated based on the number of months the business operates within the Township.

Exemptions

No tax is imposed on any amusement device for which:

• No fee is charged
• No payment is collected for its use

Payment Requirements

The amusement device tax must be paid:

• At the time of permit application
• Prior to issuance of the permit
• Annually, as required by Township regulations

No permit will be issued until the required tax has been paid in full.

Permit Identification (Stamps)

The Township may issue a permit or official stamp for each device.

• Each device must have the permit or stamp affixed as required
• The permit or stamp serves as proof that the device is properly registered and taxed

Location Requirements

Permits are issued for specific devices at specific locations.

• Devices must be operated only at the approved location
• Any relocation of a device may require an updated permit

Important Reminders

• A permit is required for each amusement device and jukebox
• The amusement device tax must be paid prior to permit issuance
• Permits are required annually
• Devices must be properly registered with the Township
• Devices operated without payment of the required tax are not permitted
• Each device must have proper permit identification (if issued)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for each arcade or game machine?
Yes. A separate permit is required for each individual amusement device.

Do I need a permit for a jukebox?
Yes. Jukeboxes require a permit and are subject to an annual tax.

Do I have to pay the tax before getting a permit?
Yes. The tax must be paid prior to permit issuance.

Are free-to-play machines taxed?
No. Devices for which no fee is charged are not subject to the amusement device tax.

What if I only operate part of the year?
The tax may be prorated based on the number of months of operation.

Contact the Department of Licenses & Inspections

For questions regarding Amusement Device Permits, please contact the Department of Licenses & Inspections.

Email: LI@UpperDarby.org
Phone: 610-734-7613

Residents may also submit inquiries or report concerns through the Township One Center.

To submit a concern, email One@UpperDarby.org or call the One Center Request Line at 610-734-7625.