AboutPhillip Boucher Expertise Author of the book, "Slot Machines: Fun Machines or Tax Machines? A Technician Reveals the Truth About One-Armed Bandits", ISBN 1-55270-049-6 published by Productive Publications under the pen name Ian B. Williams. I can answer any question related to the concept, design, marketing, programming, operation, installation, repair, and maintenance of slot machines, video poker machines, and video lottery terminals, and their related equipment and machinery, within the regulated gaming industry. I WILL NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS WHATSOEVER RELATED TO THE PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF GAMING MACHINES, INCLUDING QUESTIONS SUCH AS "I JUST BOUGHT A SLOT MACHINE AND IT DOESN'T WORK...". I can help dispel all the myths and misconceptions that have permeated the print and news media about slots over the years. I can also answer questions related to gambling addiction in general and slot machine addiction in particular. Each question will be answered truthfully, without bias, whether the answer is what the questioner wants to hear. I will not propagate the myth that there are secrets to winning or beating slots, because there are none. There are no methods or tricks or other such nonsense that a lot of people think there are. I`m sorry, but reality in regard to slot machines can be a big letdown! I won`t lead anyone on. Want to know the real truth? Just ask. I can also answer general questions related to casinos except for table games.
Experience I have over eleven years experience as a slot machine technician for two major North American casinos, one racetrack slot facility, and am a Certified Gaming Machine Repairperson. I am the author of, (writing as Ian B. Williams), "Slot Machines: Fun Machines or Tax Machines? A Technician Reveals the Truth About One-Armed Bandits", ISBN 1-55270-049-6 published by Productive Publications.
Question QUESTION: I have a Red White & Blue Delux Model IB5036CFIW - Has rockets that bounce up or down one line when the reocket is pointing to the pay line. The center reel went out of alignment and I moved it down about a quarter of an inch to make it lined up on the pay line. I should not have done that because it is totally out of sync. Do you know what I need to do to get the reels realigned?
ANSWER: James, sorry, but as per my profile I do not answer questions related to the private ownership of gaming machines. Phil
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QUESTION: Phil, If that is your policy I respect your policy. I would like to know if you know a direction for me to go? I will not bother you again, but I would like to have this machine work in my home just for a novelty when friends visit.
If you don't want to answer, that's ok. I hope that you could, in the least, lead me in the right direction.
Thank you, in advance, what ever answer you give.
Jim
Answer James, below are the reasons why I do not answer questions related to the private ownership of gaming machines:
-the private ownership of gaming machines is illegal in many jurisdictions, and simply possessing one may cause authorities to assume that you are using it as an income-producing device, even if it is for "novelty" purposes
-every gaming machine eventually tilts or has a problem that must be troubleshot, essentially rendering the device useless and basically a doorstop for the owner
-troubleshooting a gaming machine involves a highly specific step-by-step process that is not used in troubleshooting other electronic devices
-specially designed troubleshooting hardware is required such as a slot machine simulation device
-tools and parts for slot machine repair can cost from several hundred dollars to several thousand or even tens of thousands of dollars each
-a minimum of two to three known working units of each part is required to substitute and isolate the cause of the problem
-I get too many of these same types of questions every day that to answer them would take every second of my day
-I personally do not believe that private citizens should own gaming machines
I do not wish to seem rude but it does state in my profile that I will not answer ANY questions related to the private ownership of gaming machines. Phil
