A gaming device has a housing with at least one air inlet vent and at least one air exhaust vent. In one aspect of the invention, the vents are configured with a duct or flange having at least one upwardly sloping portion configured to prevent the entry of contaminants such as liquids into the gaming device. In another aspect of the invention, a gaming machine cooling system includes at least one air flow device such as a centrifugal blower or squirrel-cage air handling device which provides high volumetric air flow at positive pressure. The air flow device is coupled to the exhaust vent, whereby the air flow device exhausts air from the interior to the exterior of the gaming device. A low pressure condition in the gaming machine causes cool air to be drawn into the interior of the housing.