[NormsRevenge]

It’s not like the odds aren’t against ya from the gitgo anyway.

[Lexington Green]

‘’always to the players’ detriment’’ — How convenient...

[Ol' Dan Tucker]

The software in question has sent incorrect financial information to the central slot-machine accounting system, accumulated credits incorrectly, occasionally bet more credits than players intended and miscalculated progressive jackpots always to the players' detriment, the report said.

Credits reflect the amount of money deposited in a machine and rise and fall with winnings or losses.

The slot accounting system collects the basic financial information for a casino's books, generating the data from which the tribe calculates its profits and share of revenues, if any, that must be paid to the state.

In other words, they're skimming off the top.

If the machines are collecting $100 but only reporting $80, then that machine just gave the house $20, which is not traceable.

Not only that, but they're stealing from the players. (More than usual, that is.)

[RobRoy]

The key in the article: “...and miscalculated progressive jackpots always to the players’ detriment...”

Duh. That is why only fools play slots thinking they will EVER come out ahead in the long run. Playing for fun is different.

In the 1990’s I saw a 60 minutes episode on electronic gaming. The one interesting point in the story is that one computer programmer, who was working with authorities regarding software design, was GUNNED DOWN in his homes driveway.

That told me all I need to know about electronic gaming and why I would NEVER put a single penny in a slot machine.

[JimRed]

Hey, set ‘em to NEVER pay off, and have floor shills working the room with a little remote override pretending to win. More money that way!

< /sarc >

[Reeses]

Electronic slot machines have a lot in common with electronic voting machines. I'm surprised no one ever gets caught hacking these computers which sit exposed out on the floor. Either they never get caught or they are never heard from again.

[DustyMoment]

Sounds to me like the “Well, DUH!” moment of the week!

[Doohickey]

The manufacturer is no longer putting that software out, however. It's a gray zone.

No, it is not. Stop ripping off your customers. It's not like you operate on a tight margin and can't afford upgrades.

[Cyber Liberty]

“It's like having Windows '03 or Windows '07,” Dickstein said.

Huh?

[John Jorsett]

“It's like having Windows '03 or Windows '07,” Dickstein said. “There is nothing wrong with the software and, by definition, the differences between the old and new software don't involve game integrity, they don't involve any critical issues.”

Well, since there's no such thing as "Windows '03" or "Windows '07", Mr. Dickstein's other observations on software integrity and efficacy aren't what I'd deem of an expert caliber.