Abstract: An access control system for coin operated games and the like in its preferred embodiment includes cards with magnetic strips carrying identifications of the cards. The cards are obtained from a card dispenser in response to deposit of money. A keyboard is used to enter data into a computer to create a data control for determining which cards are valid for uses of the electronic games. Alternatively, the card dispenser can communicate the identification of cards being dispensed to the computer. The user takes the card and inserts it into a card reader which is located at the game selected for play. The card reader reads the card and determines whether the card contains proper corporate and site identifications. If so, the card reader communicates the card identification to the computer which determines, by examining data record for that card, whether any further game plays are alloted to that card.