How to Sniff out a Loose Slot Machine
Sniffing out a loose slot machine is just like acting out the role of a bounty hunter who is tracking a fugitive from justice. The reason for this is that the task of hunting for this fabled game machine in the sea of slot machines in casinos located in different gaming jurisdictions requires a lot of detective work, common sense and good public relations.
First of all, you have to remember that the slots payout percentage in casinos vary widely. A machine that is considered loose in one casino may be thought of as a tight one in another. Perhaps, it would do you well to try out a casino that is patronized mostly by locals or residents in nearby areas. The influx of tourists in any gaming jurisdiction is more or less seasonal. That is why it makes a lot of sense for a casino to build a regular clientele base from the population in nearby areas. And what better way to build and retain the patronage of locals than by featuring slots that give a higher payout than the competition?
After you have chosen your targeted casino, your detective work begins. Play a few games and spread yourself around the slots floor. Be friendly and talk to people—other slots players, attendants, waitresses and even the doorman if you have to. Find out who the casino regulars are and befriend them. Without being obvious, ask them casually which machines they like to play best. If you are lucky enough, they will tell you—and chances are it could be a loose slot machine.
When you talk to waitresses and attendants, do not forget to turn on your charm and put on that beguiling smile. Engage them in small talk and pleasant conversation to build a relationship with them. You have to be careful in this part, though. Be friendly and engaging without being too forward, otherwise you run the risk of being misunderstand as making a pass, which could get you thrown out of the casino. If your charm works and the attendant points out a loose machine that turns out to be a fluke, don't take it out on her. Remember that the looseness or tightness of a machine is relative to the person using it. Just turn around and look for another attendant to charm and disarm with your beguiling smile.
And if the information you wring out of the other attendant turns out to be right this time around, be generous and give her a tip. Who knows, the two of you could build a profitable partnership on the slots floor that could reap bigger dividends the second time around.
