Abstract: A queuing system is provided for gaming apparatus such as a billiards table. The system uses a remote consol (16) that is coin operated and has a key-pad (58) for players to enter theft names in a sequence of players. The consol dispenses a ticket (76) with a unique identifier (78) marked on the ticket, corresponding to the player name. A display (18) associated with the apparatus, for example above a billiards table (12), displays the name or names of the persons playing. When a game is completed, as by pocketing the black ball in a game of snooker, the apparatus detects this condition and signals the main processor through an infrared link that the game is over. The apparatus is then locked up, as by locking a ball collector (32), until the next player enters the correct ticket at the consol to release the balls from the collector. A tournament mode of play omitting the tickets and providing for two sequences of players is also provided.