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Both the top and bottom lights blinking slowly at the same time is the signal we all want to see on our machine. That means a player is awaiting a hand-pay, which usually indicates a big jackpot over the taxable $1,200 mark just hit. Nice!

If only the top white light is flashing and the bottom light is off, this indicates a machine tilt, which is pretty rare nowadays. Most other combinations of faster flashing lights signify various administrative states and aren’t often seen unless they’re on a machine undergoing installation or removal.

But even when machines are being placed out of service and both lights are blinking rapidly, there are plenty of reasons for a casino to do so besides tightening paytables. Casinos are constantly moving machines around, replacing old themes with new ones, and bringing the latest and greatest machines available out to replace underperforming games. It’s how they keep their floors fresh, new and inviting so players will keep coming back.

So next time you see a blinking light or a roped-off area of machines, please don’t assume the worst. There are many reasons for a light to blink or a casino to put a machine out of service, and most of those reasons actually benefit the players. The casinos just don’t do a good job of explaining this because they’ve never had to before. Maybe they should start, but until they do at least you’ve got me to give you the scoop!

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(Editor’s Note: Brad Fredella is general manager of Stetson’s Saloon & Casino in Henderson, Nevada.)