I agree that the hold would never in a million years be 33 %. I didnt account for jackpots. And of course there are cost of doing business such as dealing with the cage issues, etc. But there is still profit.

My 33% came from the estimated number that was given to me by so many strikers: $15.00 in to get a $10.00 strike. Thus, 15.00 in and a return of 10.00 would equal 66 percent return on the 15.00 investment. HOWEVER, as you very well know, thats not the final number the casino would keep. I failed to mention the jackpots. Obviously, I don't know the inner dollar numbers of the casino business as you do Gene, i am merely going on second hand information and some partial common sense.

Bottom line is the machines definately make money. The issue is, do the strike machines make as much as the others. And would the replacement of the strike machine really mean there would be additional dollars played. I think the answer is no. I think strikes come to the casinos looking to play those strike machines. If they werent there, would they still come? Or would they spend their dollars that have been allocated to spend on strikes somewhere else that has the strikes to offer. Are they really gambling with those dollars, or are they using the strike machine as a variable cost silver strike store.

There are those that play the strike machines that arent "Strikers" and plenty that are. I think the strike maching also bring in gambling dollarts that came specifically because the casino offered the strike machine, but then go on to play other slots, as well as table games.

I'm a good example...I come to play black jack and craps and roulette. Im not a slot player. but I DO HOWEVER play the Silver Strike machines. So here is an example of a player playing the slots only because of the strikes.

Just some thoughts.

Oh, one final thought. Gene...I appreciate you sharing one of the best kept casino secrets. I hope you dont get in any sort of trouble for letting the cat out of the bag. I had no idea about the little man in the machine with the notepad. I'll be sure to wear my short skirt next time.