5c and 25c slot machines were introduced back into military clubs sometime either in the late 1980's or early 1990's as they had them in the club when I was their in Misawa Japan. Instead of tokens, they take normal US coins. The number of machines per club is very limited indeed, Misawa had three clubs, one for enlisted, one for non-comissioned officers, and a third for officers.

The NCO club, which had 3,000 members (plus nearly twice as many "guests" had a total of 20 slot machines! And then, the largest payout on a 5c machine was a whole $50.00 and the 25c machine s you could win $100.

I doubt that the payouts were as high as 92.5% as stated in the article as I very rarely saw anyone win on the machines and after a few rolls of nickels, I just plain quit playing.

It is doubtfull that the clubs are relying on this revenue to support their activities as the liquor revenues are far greater (the cost of an American beer off base was close to $24.00 a case, and then only if you purchased them at a liquor store. The cost of an American beer was closer to $10.00 for a 12 ounce beer at a bar - so most people who drank other then at home went to the clubs on base. Since shipping cost was covered by the military, and their were no export/import tazes, the club could purchase a case of beer at around $6.00 a case. Even selling them as low as $1.00 a can, that is $18.00 per case profit!

Who needs the revenue of 20 slot machines when you have 5,000 thirsty people a day coming through the door?

At least in the "old" days, the slot machines used tokens, so you had at least something to collect!