Water ingress protection for ticket entry slot

A ticket validation device that is protected from debris ingression, comprising:

• a validator housing defining a ticket entry bezel, the ticket entry bezel defining a first major side, a second major side positioned opposite the first major side, and shorter connecting regions that extend between the first major side and the second major side, wherein the first major side, the second major side, and the shorter connecting regions define a slot;
• an acceptor assembly configured to transport a ticket to a ticket reader device;
• and
• a first flap and a second flap positioned between the acceptor assembly and the ticket entry bezel, wherein:
• the first flap and the second flap are biased in a direction of one of the first major side or the second major side of the entry bezel;
• a medial portion of one of the first and second flaps is positioned flush against edges of the slot to seal the ticket entry bezel in a default position;
• and
• a front surface of the flap is configured to be pushed away from the one of the first major side and the second major side by the ticket when inserted into the ticket entry bezel such that the ticket scrapes between a distal end of the first flap and the one of the first major side and the second major side to remove any loose debris from the ticket prior to the ticket reaching the acceptor assembly.