subject: Slot Machine Collecting - An Addictive Hobby [print this page] Meeting Roger Harding, in his non-descript bungalow in deepest Essex, you wouldn't thing anything was unusual as you walked up the perfectly kept path leading to the frosted glass front door, with hanging baskets blowing lightly in the wind either side.
As for Roger, well, this sturdily built chap with substantial beard gives you the expectedly very firm handshake as he welcomes you inside.
The first thind that catches your eye - well, it's bound to - are some flashing lights further up the hall.
"Ah yes", he says, instinctively knowing where my eyes have laid. "This is Line Up, a very old slot, late 70s, with the then revolutionary MPU3 processor". (I have since learned that the MPU processors - the brains of the slot machines - have advanced to MPU11!).
"It had something quite unique at the time - a new feature called G.A.I.N. This meant 'Guarantee Against Imperfect Nudge', and meant that, should you fail to nudge in the best win on the reels, then the machine would reset the original position, and bring in the best win automatically. This was really something, and ensured that machines truly lived up to the 70% legal payout, as some unscrupulous operators at the time were deliberately restricted the reels and nudge buttons to grab more than their fair share of revenue".
Roger then lead me to his main room, and his mood instantly changed. "Now we're talking", he said. "This is the best game I've ever played. It's Rainbow Riches, a video slot, and I picked it up for a song online. 450. Worth every penny."
Roger explained that of all the machine he has - and I haven't even been to the dining room yet where even more machines lie - that Rainbow Riches is the one he plays most of all. "
"The graphics are great, and gameplay electrifying" (to find out more about Rainbow RIches, you can try www.rainbowriches.org.uk), he said. "Now, want to see more slots?
I said I do, and I did, and you can find out more in my next article!
