You can "ungrip" the tickets by pinching the big metal arch towards the back of the mech. Then they'll pull out freely.
I believe you can test it by applying +12V to red and black wires, then checking for a notch signal on one of the other two wires as you move the tickets through it. (The last wire is motor enable from the game.) You can test the motor by just pushing the button on the PCB -- it'll roll.
We've got a million of 'em at work -- if you want the exact pinout, or want me to confirm anything, let me know.