How times have changed for slots

• Reprints

Current slot machines come in all kinds of denominations including 1-cent.

Updated: December 9, 2010 5:26PM

H ave you ever thought about the changes in slot machine technology that have taken place during a relatively short period-

Here are some thoughts to ponder:

Then

Locate a machine in the dedicated denomination you wish to play, be that quarter, half-dollar, dollar or $5.

Now

Choose from among a multi-denomination menu, including not only the traditional favorites but also half-cent, penny, nickel and dime.

Then

Search for a "change person" on the casino floor to exchange paper currency for the coins in the denomination you wish to play.

Now

Sit right down at the machine and insert paper currency into the bill validator to convert your money into machine credits.

Then

Drop in coins and pull the handle.

Now

Select how many credits you wish to play and press the "play" or "spin" button on the machine cabinet.

Then

Watch coins from winning spins cascade into the machine's tray, collect the coins in a plastic bucket, then leave the machine and transport the bucket of coins to the cashier for counting and payment.

Now

Watch winning credits accumulate on the machine's electronic display meter, hit the "collect winnings" button and receive a paper voucher that you can take to another machine or to the cashier for cash payment.

Then

Spin the reels and watch for winning symbols to line up across the single payline across three reels giving you one chance to win.

Now

Spin the reels and watch for winning symbols to fall into place across a video screen grid or multiline reel configuration, giving you a multitude of possible winning combinations on a single spin.

Casino news

? From 7 to 10:30 p.m. Friday is the time to swipe your Total Rewards players club card in the promotions area at Harrah's Joliet to activate entries earned in the casino's Rock Star Giveaway.

At 11 p.m., five winners will be chosen to win cash prizes up to $5,000 or a VIP trip for six to Las Vegas for a New Year's Eve party.

? More than $100,000 in cash and prizes will be given away in Empress Casino's No Shopping Required promotion on Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 18.

Empress Club Hollywood members who have their cards properly inserted in any slot machine at the Joliet casino will be eligible to be among the 10 winners randomly selected at 5, 8 and 11 p.m. drawings on promotion days.

Gifts include iPads, Bose sound docks and $1,000 gift cards.

John G. Brokopp's Beat the Odds tips air at 8:20 a.m., 2:50 p.m. and 10:42 p.m. Sundays on WBBM-AM (780).

The freelance casino columnist and author can be reached at jbrokopp@comcast.net.