I was playing slots at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and one of the hosts came by. “Do you have all your TITOs?”, he asked. “We found one on the floor.”
“Yes”, I replied, “I always put them in my wallet after I forgot $400 in a slot last month.”
As walking back to the Cosmo, I get a call. It was the host. “We reviewed the video footage; the ticket is yours.” Crap.
As we headed back to the MGM Grand, I thought “how can I not do this again”.
Forgetting to Cash Out
This a slot player’s nightmare, and it’s all too easy after a long flight or sleepless night. Whenever we gamble, we make a habit of going through a verbal checklist: card, money, phone.
This is bound to happen if you play 100+ slots in a day. My all-time record is 113. While that’s 112 times I didn’t leave my money behind, one mistake almost cost me $600. Six months ago, the largest TITO I had was $10. Now, it can be for $2,000.
Forgetting to Win
Even though this has become my mantra, it’s an easy mistake. Slot machines are designed to make you forget about everything else, and that includes winning.
When I first began playing slots, any activity on a slot meant I was winning: the flying firecrackers, “More Power” by Doctor Frankenstein, the captured wilds on Regal Riches. None of these pay money, but they distract you from the blank “Win” box on the slot screen.
This is also why I won’t pay slots with broken speakers. It’s too easy to overlook a massive win on an older machine if the sound is working; without audio cues, the only indicator is a tiny, red digital counter.
Forgetting Your Loyalty Card
This is relatively minor, although it can reduce your gambling time. Replacing your loyalty card in some casinos can be a trial, especially if their rewards desk is swamped or the card replacement kiosks aren’t working.
The foolproof solution is to use a cord that attaches your loyalty card to your wrist or a belt loop. I still won’t do this a) because I’m vain, and b) I’ll probably trip over it.
How to Avoid Slip-Ups
No surprisingly, it’s the same as if you were working with power tools or babysitting an infant.
- Stay sober, at least until you leave the high-limits room
- Get enough sleep
- Take a lot of breaks
- Work as a team if you gamble with your partner
- Do as we do and run through a verbal checklist every time you get up from a slot