New Slots from WMS G+ DELUXE Review

So 2.5 years ago when I abandoned this blog, my last post was about the WMS G+ Series, and today I bring you my reactions to their brand new G+ Deluxe series.
http://www.wms.com/Games/Pages/default.aspx

In a word --- meah. I mean really WMS, in nearly 3 years this is all the improvement you can muster?

I strolled into my usual haunt Red Rock Casino, and decided to play the new "I Love Lucy" "Win it Again" WMS slots, and in their place were these G+ Deluxe machines. I say "in their place" but really, they are the same cabinets controlled by "Server Based" gaming . . . meaning the casino can change the games and the payouts (yes, the PAYOUTS) anytime they want with a push of a button.

That said, the cabinets do not limit the bells and whistles of the game too much, as the top screen can and often does have all sorts of action, although it is NOT interactive touch screen action. So if you like games where you can't pick the wrong thing, then you shouldn't notice much lacking from your experience.

All that considered, I sat down and tried my luck. There were four of these new games, including Kronos (think "Zeus"), Zanzibar, Dragon's Riches, and something jungle themed. I played "Dragon's Riches." The first thing I noticed was the larger symbols, and the weird line configurations. You can bet between 1 and 30 lines (this is a penny machine), but those lines may not pay off in ways you are used to. There is a bonus round triggered by three dragon symbols that give you 10 free spins, with up to 100 free spins if you get five bonus symbols. I never got more than 3 dragons. There are also stacked wilds, and a "Replicating Wilds" feature -- if a special dragon symbol lands in the center and you have winning lines, it can send out wilds to enhance your win. There is also a "minor" and a "major" progressive. The minor pays out before $50, and the major pays out before $500. Every time you have a significant win a little (very little) is added to the progressive amount. I sat down when my minor progressive was at $42 and after an hour or two (two beers anyways), the progressive inched up to $44 and change, and paid out for me. The payout happens randomly after a win. Over on the other side, a woman played her machine until her minor progressive was well over $49.70 -- then it FINALLY paid off for her.

Probably the most interesting feature of these machines is the "Game Stats" section, where you can see just what the payout history has been. I'm not sure these stats really say anything about what you might win, but they do reveal that Big Wins, and progressive payouts are few and far between (but we knew that already).

I did play for quite a while, and I did leave ahead, but I was generally bored with the games. As I've played so many slots, I do tend to figure them out quickly, and once you know what is happening a certain spark of interest is lost. After all, it is just a new way to take your money.

My major complaint is the graphics, which are a little crude by WMS standards, and I believe the "Server Based" gaming aspect has had all the slot companies churning out new games, but some have been of lesser quality.

So give these new games a spin, but don't expect too much. With the exception of the "Game Stats", you've basically seen all this stuff before.

I'm BAAAAAACKKK!!!

Wow! Where does the time go? Two and a half years ago, I abandoned this Slot Blog, and just today found it again, and guess what? People ACTUALLY read it, and commented! Now if I can only find the 5 or 6 other blogs I've abandoned -- one is called 'Abandoned Blogs' -- I might keep myself busy writing, and losing less money in the slots.

So the question is, do I still live in Vegas, and do I still play? Yes, and yes.

However, as the Great Recession has taken the wind out of nearly all of our sails, I do limit my time in the casinos to free play, and free buffets. Still, I do try out all the new slots that hit the floor, and I will be more than happy to tell y'all about them.

So, I apologize for falling off the face of the earth, let's just say that weird timeless environment casinos love to create sucked me out of the Bloggersphere for awhile.

I'm back, and looking for the cocktail waitress.

New G+ Series Slots from WMS

Well, I went searching for new slots last night at Red Rock Casino and I found some -- just not the ones I was hoping for.

I wanted to find the WMS' Money Burst and Rotating Wild machines, but instead stumbled upon some new versions of their G+ series. http://www.wms.com/games_videoreel.php

Par for the course these days -- there is no information on these slots on WMS' website -- but there they are bold as day on the casino floor.

The machines are "Egypt," "Roman Something Or Other," "Fortune Seeker," and "Samarai Something Or Other."

Okay, they aren't really called "Something Or Other," I just can't remember their names exactly, and frankly do we really need more Roman or Asian themes machines? Apparently, we do.

But, I digress . . . the G+ series are simple in their offerings, usually one bonus round, sometimes featuring stacked wilds, and volatile.

Dean Martin's Wild Party Slots Hit the Floor

Sometimes you find new slots in the strangest places. Last night I was downtown to play my free $15 at Binion's and decided to park at the Vegas Club across the street.

Strolling through the casino to my car, I spied "Glitz" a new "Money Burst" game from WMS I saw next to the Dean Martin game I'd admired at the Global Gaming Expo. With giddy anticipation I checked the bank of machines opposite "Glitz" and there it was! "Dean Martin's Wild Party!"

Sometimes you just never know which casinos are going to feature the new games first. The Vegas Club, in conjuction with it's neighbor the Plaza (both run by Tamares Group -- which has a rather tenuous hold on it's holdings) have seen better days. Still, I've noticed that whoever is running the slot selection is not afraid to try new things, and keep the mix on the casino floor fresh.

Dean Martin's Wild Party is a volatile game, but worth the trouble if you can hit a bonus round. It is unusual in that it starts with only two lines that funnel into sixty. http://www.ggbmagazine.com/department/New_Game_Review/Vol__7_No__1_January_2008

You get sixty lines for thirty credits, and the bonus round of five free spins is triggered if you get four of the same symbols (wilds count) in the first four positions. These symbols hold for the remainder of the spins. If you get three bonus symbols you also get the free spins but have a choice to make (I didn't get there so I don't exactly know how this works) to determine the first symbols.

During the bonus round Dean-o and his background singers keep you entertained with a song I don't quite recall entitled "Go, Go, Go!" and "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" -- if you are lucky the bonus can be long as all the lines hit and tally up. I got two wild symbols that guaranteed a payoff with every spin. Of course you can speed things along by hitting a button, but as this was my first bonus on this machine I let it take it's time and savored the moment. My thirty cent bet turned into $25.00 in the bonus round.

"Glitz" works the same way, but I don't care for the graphics so I didn't try it out.

Once again I can't find any info on the machine on WMS' website, but consulting my catalog, I see they describe "Money Burst" as "new reel layout, 60 lines for 30 credits, and fast play drive hyper-volatile math model." I'm not so sure I like that "hyper-volatile math model" part. I would say if you are lucky enough to hit a bonus round to skee-daddle like I did.

I almost got out the door of the Vegas Club, but another new slot caught my eye -- this one from IGT. A new Wheel of Fortune machine I didn't notice at the Global Gaming Expo -- "Viva Las Vegas" featuring Elvis Presley as "Lucky" and Ann Margret as "Rusty."

The info I found on IGT's website is adobe stuff, and seems to be for a more traditional mechanical reel game -- word to IGT and WMS -- if the slots are on the floor they should be represented on your website. Oh, and while you are at it, why not have more slot player oriented promotional material?

But I digress -- I hit a couple of bonus rounds (8 free spins) that may or may not entitle you to spin the wheel (a wheel symbol has to pop up) but after a few minutes I was down $10 and decided to go. I enjoyed the Elvis and Ann Margaret singing symbols and the expanding wild, but all and all, I found the bonus round rather boring and unfulfilling, especially when I couldn't hit a wheel spin.

So Wheel of Fortune "Viva Las Vegas" didn't hold my attention as long as Dean Martin's Wild Party, but maybe it was just the kinda night I was having.

I'm glad to see new slots on the floor, and I'll check today to see if Red Rock has added any new slots to the mix.

Cash Back vs. Comps -- It's Not Always a Clear Choice

The other night I was at Rampart Casino, and it was steak night at the buffet. I knew I had $42 in cash or comps so I headed to the Player's club to get a buffet voucher. Well, it was much easier said than done.

The woman behind the counter told me they were not issueing food vouchers that day. I didn't really understand, but had a vague awareness of an offer where if you get 600 points in a day you will get a free buffet on your next visit.

I told her I wanted to use my regular points to pay for my meal. At Station Casinos this is a pretty simple system, merely swiping my card and entering my pin at the cashier.

She offered me the Rampart/Cannery newspaper and told me there was a coupon in there. I was still rather confused, and finally she told me I could get my cash back and pay cash at the buffet.

So I was issued a voucher for $20 -- roughly half my points, and went to the cashier to get $20 in cold hard cash. I then took my cash and coupon to the buffet.

Sometimes I'm tempted just to cash out all my points around town and be done with it. I'll go back to watching TV and movies at night and eating at In-n-Out burgers.

New Slots on the Floor - Hitchcock Theatre and Up, Up, and Away

I made the rounds at Suncoast and Rampart casino this week and was pleasantly surprised to see that Wizard of Oz and Monopoly Up, Up and Away are creeping onto the casino floors.

I was amazed to see a new slot WMS' "Hitchcock Theatre" similar (meaning it fits into the same cabinets and has surprise bonuses bases on an extra bet) to "Gold Fish" and "Mermaid's Gold." I went to WMS' website (as I always do to provide a link) but couldn't find anything on this machine.

That left me to my own devices to play the darn thing and figure it out for myself. This of course, was easier said than done, as slot players are geniuses at sniffing out the new machines and testing their luck -- suffice it to say, I had competition.

At Suncoast this was difficult, but I did get a little time and hit a couple of bonus rounds with Alfred Hitchcock as my guide.

Like "Gold Fish" and "Mermaid's Gold" an extra bet of 10 credits is needed to activate the famed director popping up with a "Bird's Bonus" where the reels spin and the birds add wilds to the mix, an intermission bonus where sodas add wilds to three free spins, the popcorn machine adds credits, or a candy bar bonus, which I haven't hit so I don't know what it does.

Already that is three different bonuses . . . but wait . . . there is more!

If you hit three scattered tickets you get 10 free spins with more bonus opportunities. During the free spins if you get three film reels you get to pick one of three classic Hitchcock films and see how the audience reacts. There is also a stacked wild with a multiplier available in the free spins.

Well, it sure does sound like there are many opportunities to win, the trouble of course, is that I lost $25 at the Suncoast on Hitchcock, and won $5 at Rampart, only to quickly escape with my winnings.

I'm not sure how volatile this machine is, but so far, I'm reluctant to spend much time with it. Many of the bonuses give small results, and if you don't get a bonus at all, then you will run through your money very quickly.

Monopoly Up, Up, and Away doesn't seem to fare much better -- it's problem is having lots of bonus possibilities once you hit the cannon shoot gateway, but getting to that point (with three consecutive cannons (sometimes stacked) left to right is very difficult.

All and all, I've learned my lesson and will play these machines very selectively and carefully. I always love a new slot machine, but I'm not going to invest much financially in the experience.

Boredom Gets the Better of Me, IGT's Dragonfly Slots

Last night I got pretty bored with the routine of the same ole slots, and the same ole casino, and decided to try a new (same ole boring) IGT slot -- Dragonfly.

As I've said over and over, IGT slots are gettting simpler instead of more interesting and Dragonfly is no exception. To prove my point, check out the IGT webpage http://www.igt.com/GamingGroup/Games/game_detail.asp?toggle=ovr&pid=5.113.120&type_id=5115&pl=#cnt -- no graphics, no nothing, just a bare bones description of the slot with the allusion that Dragonflies are good luck to Asians. I wonder what Mr. Lucky would have to say about that? You want some Dragon Fly Rice? But I digress . . .

Anyway, the slot is a 243 way, meaning it pays like a scatter (consecutively) left to right, not line pays. It is AVP (IGT's code for server-based ready) -- you know and come to think of it, that might be the reason the IGT slots are simplified, so that all the bells and whistles don't overload the server??? It's a thought . . .

The graphics on this machine aren't bad. The symbols are done in the style of Art Nouveau artists like Mucha, including lovely ladies and a wild symbol of a lady as a dragonfly.

Three consecutive dragonflies give you 15 free spins at 3X and I was lucky enough to win around $10 on my free spins and break even on the machine I chose.

I may try Dragonfly again, just as I've succomb to Super Happy Fortune Cat -- the Asian trend continues, but I still pine for an updated version of Mr. Lucky's Fortune Cookie -- I just might like Dragon Fly Rice.

The R Word, and the S Word

So do you want the bad news, or do you want the bad news? The Review Journal and the Las Vegas Sun is full of it today. The first on a two-part column about the R-E-C-E-S-S-I-O-N called "The R Word" http://www.lvrj.com/business/15713402.html was lengthy and sugar-coated the real story, which is -- Yes, of course, we are in a RECESSION, and it's going to be bad -- with statements such as "With Strip construction booming, a building executive says he has a hard time seeing the Las Vegas economy heading into a recession." and "Las Vegas Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson is confident the convention business will weather any downturn."

Okay, so the muckety-mucks gotta talk confident so their stocks don't plummet further. Meanwhile Wynn stock fell by $9 on a poor fourth quarter. http://www.lvrj.com/business/15713417.html

But let's move on the slots, and the bad news there. The S Word, Server Based Gaming is being tested at TI (formerly known as Treasure Island). http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/feb/17/dont-worry-your-slot-bets-are-still-safe/

Don't you just love the title of this article and the photo of the smiling slot player? Sure -- Don't Worry, Be Happy! -- Your Slot Bet is Still Safe!!!

What is good about this article is the large photo that gives you a good view of what server-based machines look like. Check out the cabinet, and the sure fire give away -- a video screen where the glass graphics used to be.

Knock on wood, um, I mean glass, and you will be sure of playing a traditional slot. The video screen can be changed at whim, the glass printed panel would have to be manually switched out to change the game. I've already written about the demise of wild sculptural toppers like the Dukes of Hazzard General Lee, and the Green Acres pig -- surely these won't survive in the new age of server based games.

Las Vegas Officially Recession Proof . . . NOT !!!

Well, the big news from Las Vegas this week is LAYOFFS and HIRING FREEZES!!! Can you spell R-E-C-E-S-S-I-O-N ??!! -- it's kinda like D-I-V-O-R-C-E . . . a dirty little word that should be spelled out so the kids don't freak out and think the world is coming to an end.

Of course, the world, or more specifically THEIR world IS coming to an end, and if you didn't get a pink slip this week, well, just wait -- no one safe when the gravy train wrecks.

Yep, the sky is falling . . . but not for the muckety mucks in the corner office -- they'll hang on to their jobs and ride out the down cycle if they can just keep the pesky front line from eating into their little utopia.

The big word here is IF . . . and as I've reported before, when the head honchos are losing billions in stock value, heads are gonna roll faster than video reels.

Here is how the local media sums it up -- http://www.lvrj.com/business/15697987.html
"Harrah's Responds to Slowdown with Labor Reductions"

This is 9/11 Bull Sh*t all over again. They will all wave the flag as they screw the working man. Another prime example of the f*cked up world we live in. God Bless America.

Of course what the brilliant minds in the conference room never understand is that the grinders will keep grinding if they present us with true value and a fair shake.

Loosen up the slots, and keep the free buffets coming -- 'cuz we do need to console ourselves with food, drink, and slots in these troubled times.

Yeah, like THAT is gonna happen.

The Casino Loves Me

Well, Silverton wins again for the best player's card giveaway. I will visit for a free box of Russell Stouffer's chocolate -- in a heart shaped box of course.

I might even use my free birthday buffet -- I only wish it were steak night, but I believe that is Friday and Saturday.

Yesterday, the Orleans was giving away Valentine's chocolate, but you had to earn 100 points between 11 am and 7 pm -- which was too restricting for me.

Meanwhile, Station Casinos is offering 7X points the 14-18 to promote their new free play for points system. My normal cautious play might get me a buffet or two (or perhaps $10 free play depending how I want to spend it) -- I'll probably spend some time there each day.

Players LOVE WMS' Wizard of Oz Slots

I was walking through the Orleans yesterday, past the two Wizard of Oz slots that they have, when I heard a woman stop, and positively gush "Oh look, they have IT!" pointing to the Oz slots like it was truly her heart's desire.

She didn't have much chance to play the slots, as they are so popular, people are usually two or three deep in their vicinity watching others play, and hoping to get a turn.

The same is true at Red Rock.

I just don't understand why slot managers don't put in more of these machines. Over the past few months they have proven to be more than a passing interest, like Top Gun or Monopoly Top Box.

For whatever reason, people really love to play the Wizard of Oz.

I've played it enough to know that it gets dull real quick as my credits vanish -- like pretty much every other slot machine. It is fairly volatile, and if you don't get a nice visit from Glinda the Good Witch, or pick well in the Oz bonus, you can kiss your money goodbye.

I'm not sure exactly why this machine is so successful -- maybe it is because there are so few of them, or people just love to hate those flying monkeys.

Gung Hay Fat Choy! You want Curry Chicken or Furry Cat?!

It's Chinese New Year, and Vegas is rolling out the red carpet, literally. The decorations are lavish at the MGM Grand and the Bellagio. Sin City has always courted Asian gamblers who are even more avid over the two week holiday.

In light of the celebration, today I'm going to write about one of my favorite old school video reel slot machines -- IGT's Fortune Cookie. This machine is so politically incorrect, I was certain when I first saw it that Asians would complain and it would be yanked from Casino floors. Obviously this didn't happen, and even though they are getting harder to find (especially penny versions) a few still exist in Las Vegas.

Mr. Lucky, the chinese restaurant owner is a crude stereotype, but pretty damn funny as well. When you get to the bonus round and order food off the menu, Mr. Lucky repeats your order and occasionally comments -- "You want Hot and Sour Soup? Like my girl friend and my wife?" "You want Curry Chicken, or Furry Cat?""Orange Peel beef, this one beef that don't a-peel to cow!" and "You got a beef with broccoli? Don't take it out on me!" are a few.

In the Fortune Cookie bonus (three scattered cookies) you choose from three cookies and your fortune is revealed. They range from tame (Things are Looking Up!) to downright tacky (Don't repeat the mistakes of your father -- Don't marry your mother!)

I like to play the 9 line penny version of Fortune Cookie and move between 1 and 5x per line. I can usually play for quite a while on $20 this way, hit a few bonus rounds and be entertained by Mr. Lucky and his Fortune Cookies.

IGT should really come out with a new version of this game, but as I've said before many, many times -- IGT seems pretty intent on moving backwards and simplifying games, instead of improving their popular creations.

Free Buffets for the Rest of My Days

Sorting through the Birthday Offers this month, Silverton wins hands down with two free buffets. Red Rock ponied up with a $15 dining certificate which is not bad, but still not the value Silverton is willing to dish out.

Looking over my points and free meals, it seems as though I'll never have to cook, or pay for food again.

It sounds great, but the buffets, and the cafes do become tiresome -- I always end up eating too much and my health suffers.

I've put on ten pounds since I moved to Vegas, and I am getting downright pudgy.

Of course, this is a situation that is good to have, right?

Note that it is possible to show restraint and eat healthy in a buffet, just as it is possible to stick to a strict gambling budget.

That said I hear my stomach growling and my slot elbow is itching.

A Slot Machine in Your Watch, Time is Money!

Next time I win a $625,000 Jackpot, I'll be sure to pick up one of these watches so that I can stay punctual on the twelfth of never.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/feb/09/625000-watch-slot-addicted/ Wynn is offering this beauty of a time piece that has a small slot machine in it's case.

The informative article gives quite a bit of detail on the precision handcraftmanship that goes into this watch.

For $625,000 it better come with a round the clock cocktail waitress.

I'm betting some smarty in China is already working on the $19.95 version.

The Mile High Player's Club

In light of their sinking stock, Sands hope profits will soar with their new tricked out high roller jets. They are outfitting two planes with baccarat tables so that their high flying clientele can gamble the hours up up and away. http://www.lvrj.com/business/15474536.html

It seems gambling in the great blue yonder is similiar to gambling on a cruise ship, once you are in (or apparently over) international waters, it's anybody's bet. Which leads to the inevitable question -- why not outfit jetliners with slot machines?

Well, it seems none other than Kirk Kerkorkian who ran a shortlived MGM airlines did in fact propose it.

Unfortunately, it was never to be.

As Tammy Wynette and George Jones sang -- "I'm not the jetset" but if ever I did find myself on a 14 hour flight I certainly would be first in line to join the Mile High Player's Club.

Station Casinos to Introduce Free Play for Points

You heard it here first -- starting February 14th Station Casinos will introduce a program where you can redeem your points for free play.

The lovely young lady was so happy to tell me all about it at the player's club.

I inquired when I saw big red balloons throughout the casino the other day, and apparently she was thrilled to tout the new addition to an interested party.

Here's how it works. 1000 points will be equal to $1 free play, but you can only redeem in $5 increments. There are slot machine shaped kiosks placed throughout the casino which players can use for the conversion.

As I generally keep about 20,000 point on my card that I use for free buffets (a lunch buffet requires about 4,500 points) I doubt that I will convert my points to play, but you never know.

I personally tend to be motivated by free food, but I'm glad to see any casino expand the possibilities of their points.

Slot Players not the Only Losers at Wynn, Venetian, and Bellagio

In a wonderful, rare case of poetic justice the Review Journal reports on the losses of the bosses, and it's massive.

http://www.lvrj.com/news/15392936.html

Sheldon Adelson, third richest man in America has seen his fortune drop 40% or $10.8 BILLION dollars since October. Apparently Sands stock isn't performing up to snuff, and all the grand opening press for the Pal can't save it.

Across the street at Wynn, Steve-baby has lost a mere $1.4 Billion, or a third of his stock value.

At at the other end of the strip, my personal favorite, the real lion of industry Kirk Kerkorkian has lost $2.6 Billion or a third of his stock value in MGM Grand. I'm sure Kirk isn't sweating it, he's been there and done that his whole life.

All these guys are pretty old, especially Kirk, and certainly they could never spend all their riches -- so I don't anticipate any charity events for their benefit.

That's the way the stock market tumbles -- I'd recommend buying stock in Station Casinos, but of course they just went private.

It almost, and I stress ALMOST makes me want to drop a twenty in Kirk, Sheldon, and Steve's tight-ass slots. It just might help their bottom line.

But, I say they are getting just what they deserve -- bend over boys!

Well, you know what they say -- the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Slot Makers are Thrilled with Super Tuesday Results

http://www.lvrj.com/business/15392841.html

WMS is cleaning up in the slot wars. A couple of years ago an article like this from the Review Journal would be detailing IGT's successes.

As I've constantly said WMS delivers a far superior product, and the tide has definitely turned in their favor.

Cali Slot Props Pass as Predicted

Well, once again the slot players pay. As an ardent slot jock you may think I would welcome more slot machines -- and, in a sense I do. However, when these slots are added to fill a hole in a state budget, the aftermath becames painfully clear. The slot jocks lose, and the government wins.

I'm thankful I live in Las Vegas, and at least feel like every now and again I have a chance to break even, and maybe (a big maybe here) even walk out of a casino a winner.

Slot players in California don't stand a chance.

On Super Tuesday, the slot props passed. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/06/MN7QUPQ7N.DTL

The Indians (three tribes anyway) win, Schwarzenegger wins, and the slot manufacturers win. You can guess who the losers are.

It would be foolish for me to propose that the 17,000 slot machines don't get played. If I lived near these Indian casinos I would be first in line to try them out.

Let's just call it what it is -- a vice tax, and a stiff one at that.

I always said the Indians will get this country back -- one twenty dollar bill at a time.

When you play in California just envision $5 of every $20 going in the Terminator's pocket.

Stations Casino's 32 Second Rule

Those who have played at Station Casinos are probably familiar with the Jumbo Jackpot and that when it hits everyone playing receives $50 in free play.

Well, there is a catch -- and last night I found out the hard way.

The Jumbo Jackpot was over $140,000 and had a pretty good shot at hitting any time.

I have only been playing once when it hit, another time I was in the buffet, and once a friend of mine was playing without a card and stupidly I was just standing by her machine.

Last night I was technically playing, at least I thought I was. To be more specific my card was in the machine and credits were active, only I was talking to the person next to me and as I'm the kind of person who can't do two things at once, I wasn't actively hitting the button.

When the music went off and the screen flashed "The Jumbo Jackpot is now $100,000" indicating it had been hit, the girl behind me screamed. I actually thought maybe SHE had won the Jackpot and ran over to her.

Her machine showed $50 in free play (she hadn't won the Jackpot) and that alone had her pretty excited.

When I returned to my machine it did not show the $50 free play.

The woman I was talking to had actually taken her card out when it hit.

I decided to go to the Player's Club and ask about why I didn't get in on the deal. I was told to return to my machine and ask a GSA -- Guest Service Ambassador -- about the situation.

I did as I was told turning the service light on my machine. My neighbor had moved to my machine in my absence. The GSA told me that I had to be in on a 32 second cycle when the Jackpot hit to receive the free play.

So, that's what I get for talking and not playing -- no $50 free play. I learned the hard way to keep actively wagering no matter how scintillating the conversation.

As luck would have it I sat down next to my neighbor and quickly hit a $50 line pay on WMS' "Goosin' Around." She then hit a $50 bonus round on "Jewels of the Night."

So we got our $50 after all, and cash trumps free play every time.