I’m siding with gamblers that prefer the coin operated slots with reels and coins over the current crop of video slots. The ploink sound of coins hitting the metal catch trays and the reels spinning, slowing and stopping is an important part of the casino ambience that ticketed video slot machines just don’t quite emulate. I don’t however care for reaching into what some smokers use as ash trays to retrieve the coins. Recognizing last year an opportunity to invest early in handheld wireless gaming — which I believe will pave the way for legalized internet gambling — I made an investment in IGT which trended upward in 2006 but has dipped so far in 2007.

As communal slot machines and handheld gaming grow closer to reality, another type of slot machine being coined, pardon the pun, as more realistic video slots are also nearing completion that will give existing slot machines the ability to be much more dynamic.

“These new systems are so different from the slots out there now. You feel like it’s an exact science, every time you pull.”

If the Beach Boys are playing the Luxor in Las Vegas, next-generation slots could display images of band members instead of cherries, numbers or other symbols. If band members’ faces line up, an embedded printer could spit out front-row tickets.

Regulators are concerned about malicious hackers taking advantage of machines that offer the operator the ability for extra customization. Crooks have been trying to game the games as long as they’ve been around so I’m sure regulatory approval will happen eventually.

Part of the excitement of gambling to me is waiting awhile then visiting the casinos to see the new machines. Seeing what new technology they are trying to use to separate people from the cash in their wallets and purses. When it comes to casino towns like Reno and Vegas my curiosity is in the competition between the casinos.

B5Media’s Jeremy Wright just got back from Vegas and reviews his experience:

Oveall, I’d probably give Vegas a 3.5/5. Amazing, disgusting, fun, boring, troubling, fantastic. Vegas is certainly without compare. Just not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing. Awesome food though.

Ahh yes, the buffets! The food is more expensive these days than it used to be as the food and entertainment have become main ways to make money along with gambling. Another day, more changes. Bring on the more realistic video slots, they’ll fit the dynamic nature of casino towns well.

Did this post make you go hmm?

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