Slot machines can be fun and exciting, but they’re also full of little mysteries. One of the questions many players ask is what happens when money gets lost or dropped into the machine without actually playing. Whether it’s a coin that didn’t register, a bill that disappeared, or a credit that seemed to vanish, it’s good to know how casinos handle this. At Hellspin Casino and many others, there are rules and systems in place to deal with these situations fairly, but it helps to understand what really goes on behind the blinking lights.
When Money Gets Stuck or Doesn’t Register
Sometimes, you slide a bill into a slot machine, and nothing happens. Or maybe you press the button to bet, and the screen glitches. It can be frustrating, but the machine actually keeps a record of every action. Slot machines today are electronic and closely monitored, so when money is inserted, it’s usually logged in the system right away. If something goes wrong, the casino can check the machine’s logs. Most casinos ask players to call an attendant immediately if money doesn’t show up. That way, they can verify the issue and either refund the amount or give the player a voucher.
Coins Dropped On the Floor
Now, let’s cover money that fell on the ground and is left there. Coins, tickets, or bills can easily be left behind on the floor near slot machines. Money could have fallen out of someone’s pocket or been ‘forgotten’ after a huge win. If a player picks up money that doesn’t belong to them that is actually against the law. Most casinos have a lost and found procedure. When employees finds loose money, they turn it in, and it is logged for a short amount of time in case the legitimate player comes forward to claim it back. After the specified set time for money to be unclaimed, it then becomes unclaimed money in the casino’s funds.
Unused Credits are Left Behind
It isn’t uncommon for a player to leave with small amounts like $0.25 or a $1 without cashing it out. This is usually due to a player’s habit or getting up in a rush or simply not paying attention. Then the unused credits sits in the machine until someone else comes along or until the machine is reset or emptied, loyalty points and unused credits will revert back to the casino account. Casinos know that they are going to be in possession of these small amounts of forgotten money and most casinos over time will actually collect on these ‘tiny’ amounts of money. If you were to gather up enough of the ignored small amounts over time, you could have tens of thousands of dollars!
Malfunctions and Payout Errors
If a machine has a technical issue, like showing a win when no bet was made or not giving out a payout properly, the casino steps in. Every machine has software that tracks activity down to the second. If a player reports a problem, the machine’s history can be checked. In cases where the player is right, the casino will usually correct the payout or refund the money. If the machine had no error, the casino explains why no action is needed.