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Tightening (and loosening) machines

22 November 2010

Hello John,

In the early 1990s I played a boxing slot machine at Caesars Palace. I can't remember the name of it but had a bell on the side and rounds progressed payoffs increased. Any idea where I could find one?

Thanks,
Jim

Dear Jim,

First we have to figure out the name and manufacturer of the machine. It doesn't ring a bell with me. Perhaps one of my readers remembers the machine. If so, please drop me an e-mail.

John


When playing the slots at a particular casino, I keep hearing the comment that they can change the payout on the machines from a computer located inside the casino. They can loosen or tighten the slots whenever they wish. I said no way, they have to change the chip in the machines. Would you please settle this little lack of knowledge?

Thanks,
Joe

Dear Joe,

You're probably right, but it depends on the casino in which you're playing.

Some casinos have installed slot machines that support downloadable games. These machines can have new programs sent to them from a central computer. The machines have to wait until they are not in use to accept the new game program, and they have to display a message indicating the configuration change for a few minutes before and after the change takes place.

The bottom line is that the casino can't tighten or loosen a machine while you're playing it.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John


Send your slot and video poker questions to John Robison, Slot Expert, at slotexpert@comcast.net. Because of the volume of mail I receive, I regret that I can't reply to every question.

John Robison

John Robison is an expert on slot machines and how to play them. John is a slot and video poker columnist and has written for many of gaming’s leading publications. He holds a master's degree in computer science from the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology.

You may hear John give his slot and video poker tips live on The Good Times Show, hosted by Rudi Schiffer and Mike Schiffer, which is broadcast from Memphis on KXIQ 1180AM Friday afternoon from from 2PM to 5PM Central Time. John is on the show from 4:30 to 5. You can listen to archives of the show on the web anytime.

Books by John Robison:

The Slot Expert's Guide to Playing Slots
John Robison
John Robison is an expert on slot machines and how to play them. John is a slot and video poker columnist and has written for many of gaming’s leading publications. He holds a master's degree in computer science from the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology.

You may hear John give his slot and video poker tips live on The Good Times Show, hosted by Rudi Schiffer and Mike Schiffer, which is broadcast from Memphis on KXIQ 1180AM Friday afternoon from from 2PM to 5PM Central Time. John is on the show from 4:30 to 5. You can listen to archives of the show on the web anytime.

Books by John Robison:

The Slot Expert's Guide to Playing Slots