Casino: Missing the Old Days
Written by playerpress.com, Wednesday April 08 2009
Some people like techno and some prefer swing. Some people bump their rump to Jay Z while others yearn to hear B. B. King render sweet tunes from Lucille’s six strings. Some people would rather drop a 4 ½ inch disc into their computer and watch the latest release on their monitor while others like the big screen of a theatre.
Those differences that make us who we are collectively and individually extend to casino slot machines. Many prefer the slot machines of the 21st century. They are technological marvels with LCD screens that display a number of images in high definition. When a player hits it even sounds celebratory noises and images of fireworks explode in all their prerecorded HD wonder.
These machines are so technologically savvy that they can be played with any domination of bill. Just slide the paper in the tray and shove it in. You’re just moments away from possibly winning a slip of paper that tells you how much you can claim when said voucher is redeemed.
Casinos love these modern marvels of money swapping. They require less maintenance than their coin fed, coin expelling ancestors and need fewer people to be involved in their daily processes. Since they are not coin loaded they don’t have to be filled, emptied and are not part of the counting room procedure. That means less staff and more secure slot operations.
However, there are those who are not a quick to embrace change and for them the new machines may have glitz, but they lack the glamour of their elders. Like trying to compare Vin Diesel to Humphrey Bogart some players find the new slots all flash and no substance.
As a result some casinos have reintroduced the classic, coin gobbling, one armed bandit. For those who would rather have to scrounge change to see three cherries this is a hint of days gone by that they are happy to see return; even if on a limited basis.
No one has yet to fully turn back the clock and go totally coin fed, but those who have mixed the breeds admit that the oldies are still goodies when it comes to turning a profit. Resorts in Atlantic City have placed eight of the coin operated slots on their floor and realized an upturn in their use. They are particularly popular on “Boogie Nights”; disco themed events that draw an older crowd to the floor. Likewise, the Skyline Casino in Henderson, NV turned over half off their 420 machines to coin operated slots and admit they have a 15% increase in revenue over their paper operated counterparts.
Like Wurlitzer jukeboxes that played vinyl records and Fender Stratocasters actually made from wood, the coin operated slots are more museum attractions than casino features. But, for those who hearken back to the days of clanging bells, flashing lights and the sound of coins dropping into plastic cups, they speak of better times. So, if you’re in the mood for some nostalgia the next time you’re on the gaming floor, bring along some pocket change and see if you can get lucky with an old friend.
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