Tobacco Vending Machine For Sale | Federal & State Legal Compliance
Browse Tobacco vending machines for sale with full federal and state law guidance. Stay compliant, choose licensed options, and get expert info before you buy.
1. AMS CM36 Tobacco Vending Machine
- 36 Product Choices – Adjustable slots to stock cigarettes, vape items, and smoking accessories.
- Guaranteed Vend System – Uses Sensit® technology to ensure every purchase delivers, or the customer can choose again or receive a refund.
- Energy-Saving Design – EnergySensit® reduces power usage, cutting long-term costs.
- Space-Efficient Footprint – Narrow three-wide design, ideal for clubs, lounges, and other indoor spaces.
- Flexible Pricing – Set item prices anywhere from $0.00 up to $100.00.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | AMS CM36 Ultimate Cigarette Vending Machine |
| Number of Selections | 36 (adjustable configuration) |
| Price Range | $0.00 – $100.00 |
| Dimensions | 72″ H × 28.5″ W × 29.5″ D |
| Approximate Weight | 500 lbs |
| Electrical | 120 VAC, 7 amps |
2. eVending Cigarette and Vape Vending Machine
- Multi-Product Capacity – Holds up to 450 packs across 30 adjustable selections.
- Flexible Payment Options – Accepts coins, cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile wallets.
- iVend® Sensor System – Guarantees product delivery or refunds.
- Bright LED Lighting – Ensures clear visibility even in low-light environments.
- Compact Footprint – Slim design that fits lounges, clubs, and other indoor spaces.
- Accessible & User-Friendly – Braille keypad and illuminated display for easy operation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Selections | 30 product slots |
| Capacity | ~450 packs (varies by configuration) |
| Payment Systems | Premium coin acceptor; Bill acceptor ($1, $5, $10, $20); Credit/Debit & Mobile Payments |
| Controller | GVC1 |
| Delivery Assurance | iVend® sensor technology |
| Lighting | LED illumination |
| Accessibility | Braille keypad |
Check here for the Weed Vending Machine.
Tobacco Vending Machines in the U.S.: A Complete Guide for Operators & Investors
Tobacco vending machines once dotted American bars, diners, and bowling alleys. Today their presence is far more limited, shaped by tighter regulations, evolving payment technology, and shifting consumer habits.
This summary is informational — laws change; verify with local authorities before acting.
What Are Tobacco Vending Machines?
Automated dispensers designed for tobacco products with added security & compliance features.
At their core, tobacco vending machines are automated dispensers designed to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products. They operate much like snack or beverage machines but incorporate more secure locking systems, adjustable pricing modules, and compliance features to meet regulatory standards. Modern models often include LED lighting, bill validators, card readers, and wireless monitoring to simplify operations.
Legality in the United States
Federal law + state rules determine where machines can operate.
The legality of tobacco vending machines hinges on where they are placed. Federal law prohibits their use in any venue accessible to individuals under 21. That means the only acceptable environments are adult-only establishments such as bars, private clubs, cigar lounges, and casinos. Several states — including Alaska, Maine, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, and Vermont — have enacted outright bans on tobacco vending machines. Everywhere else, they remain legal but heavily restricted. States like New York and California allow machines only in age-restricted settings and require clear signage and warning labels.
Licensing and Compliance
Licenses, signage, registration, and secure installation.
Operating a tobacco vending machine is essentially operating a retail tobacco business. A federal tobacco permit is not required for vending, but most states mandate a retail tobacco license. Some jurisdictions also require machine-specific registration and annual fees. Compliance involves displaying statutory warnings, ensuring machines are securely anchored, and in some cases positioning machines where staff can verify IDs at the point of sale. Ignoring these requirements can result in costly fines or revocation of operating permits.
Placement Opportunities
Where tobacco vending machines are most often installed.
The most common placements for tobacco vending machines are in adult-only venues. Bars, nightclubs, private members’ clubs, cigar lounges, and casinos are ideal environments because they naturally restrict under-21 access. Machines are typically located behind counters or in controlled areas to ensure compliance with both state and federal standards.
Leading Brands & Models — Features, Specs & Pricing
Each model listed on its own row for clarity (features, specs, estimated pricing).
Seaga SM24 — Countertop 24-selection model
Seaga’s SM24 is a compact countertop tobacco vending machine widely used in lounges and small venues where space is limited.
Key features: welded-steel security door, LED interior lighting, programmable pricing, selectable 24-slot selections, optional card reader.
Typical use: small cigar lounges, bar counters, concession stands.
| Capacity | Up to 24 individual selections (varies by pack or pouch size). |
| Dimensions | Approx 20″ H x 12″ W x 12″ D (countertop form factor). |
| Security | Welded steel door, tubular lock; optional alarm integration. |
| Payments | Coin mech standard; bill validator & cashless / cardreader optional. |
| Connectivity | Optional telemetry kit for remote inventory monitoring. |
Price (approx): New $2,500–$2,800 — Refurbished units: ~$800–$1,400 depending on condition & payment upgrades.
AMS CM36 — Medium-capacity (36 selections)
AMS’s CM36 is a modular high-capacity unit built for venue owners needing more SKUs and a glass-front merchandising display.
Key features: glass front, multiple trays for calendar-style merchandising, MDB-compatible payment interfaces, optional cashless and telemetry.
Typical use: casinos, large bars, tobacco shops with heavier throughput.
| Capacity | 36 selections (configurable tray layouts for different pack sizes). |
| Dimensions | Floor model (exact dims vary by config). |
| Security | Heavy-gauge cabinet, multi-point lock, tamper sensors optional. |
| Payments | MDB coin mech, bill validator standard; cashless readers & NFC optional. |
| Connectivity | Supports telemetry and remote stock/status alerts. |
Price (approx): New $5,000–$6,000 — Refurbished: $2,200–$3,800 depending on refurbishment & payment options.
AMS CM60 — High-capacity (60 selections)
AMS CM60 expands capacity for operators requiring a large SKU footprint and increased inventory for busy venues.
Key features: glass merchandising, large capacity, modular coil/spiral options, integrated MDB payment support.
Typical use: high-traffic casino areas, large clubs where space allows floor models.
| Capacity | Up to 60 selections (configuration-dependent). |
| Dimensions | Floor model — typically larger footprint (varies by manufacturer config). |
| Security | Heavy cabinet, keyed multi-point locks, optional remote tamper alert. |
| Payments | Coin/bill standard; cashless & app-based payments often available. |
| Connectivity | Telemetry & remote reporting for inventory and errors. |
Price (approx): New $5,500–$6,500 — Refurbished: $3,000–$4,500 depending on options and condition.
Azkoyen Step Series — Touchscreen + IoT capable
European design optimized for modern payments and connectivity; touchscreen models and IoT telemetry are typical.
Key features: touchscreen interface, advanced payment integrations (card, NFC), cloud connectivity and inventory telemetry, modular shelving.
Typical use: upscale cigar lounges, hotels and venues wanting modern UX and telemetry.
| Capacity | Varies by model & tray config (common: 24–48 selections). |
| Dimensions | Model-specific; many touchscreen units are compact countertop or slim floor models. |
| Security | Solid steel construction with reinforced locks; remote alarm options. |
| Payments | Native card readers, NFC, optional mobile wallet; cashless preferred. |
| Connectivity | Full IoT support — remote reporting and cloud dashboards (usually subscription). |
Price (approx): New $3,000–$6,000 (U.S. retail) — Refurbished: $1,500–$3,200 depending on touch/payment upgrades.
Custom Slimline Models — Compact, upscale installs
Slimline / custom counter units are built for discreet installations and boutique venues where design matters.
Key features: compact footprint, premium finishes, tailored pack configurations, often refurbished to spec.
Typical use: upscale lounges, hotel bars, counters where style & low footprint are essential.
| Capacity | Often 8–24 selections (compact trays or single-pack dispensers). |
| Dimensions | Compact countertop sizes — design-dependent; ideal for counters & slim spaces. |
| Security | Standard lock and tamper-resistant cabinetry; customization available. |
| Payments | Often refurbished with aftermarket cashless readers or simple coin/bill mechanisms. |
Price (approx): Refurbished $600–$1,200; new custom units vary widely depending on finish & electronics.
Startup Costs & Profitability
Acquisition, license fees, taxes, and narrow margin realities.
Starting a tobacco vending machine business involves two main cost categories: machine acquisition (expect $1,000–$7,000 depending on size/features/condition) and licensing & permits (varies by state/locality). Profitability depends on location; margins are often narrow (3–5% pretax). Volume and placement strategy are usually more important than mark-ups.
Setting Up a Tobacco Vending Machine
A practical launch checklist.
- Secure all required state & local licenses and verify machine-specific rules.
- Purchase or lease machines suited to your venue; ask for refurbishment & testing records when buying used.
- Negotiate placement and revenue-share agreements with venue owners.
- Install and secure the machine in a controlled adult-only area.
- Stock with tax-stamped product sourced from licensed wholesalers and maintain accurate records.
The Bottom Line
Niche & regulated — requires compliance, careful placement & active operations.
Tobacco vending machines still exist in the United States, but they are a highly regulated niche. Operators face stiff compliance requirements, narrow profit margins, and limited placement opportunities. The upside lies in strategically chosen adult-only venues where convenience and demand intersect.
Tobacco Vending Machine Legality by State (U.S.)
Quick reference: which states ban machines vs. restrict them to adult-only venues.
| State | Legal status / conditions |
|---|
