First, here’s a blog post I wrote on the topic: Card Pulling and Card Abstinence
The tl;dr thoughts: Be careful doing that.
Some casinos have software in place to combat that, and if the software can assign the win to the right person, I’m sure it can also take note of who’s pulling a card. A knowledgeable slot attendant could also catch you mid-pull, but that seems like a long shot. I’d be more concerned with a computer picking up on pulling patterns.
A head of slots at one casino told me his casino has such software in place. You’d have to wait eight or 10 minutes (I forgot which one he said) after pulling a card for ensuing play to no longer register on that card. If someone else sits down and inserts their own card, the ensuing spins would go on their card, even if it were seconds after. So suppose you’re playing Regal Riches and get the purple minor up to 74. You pull your card and trigger the must-hit a minute or so later with no card in. According to him, that play will still register under your card.
- Are bonus features predetermined? –> CowboySlots says sometimes
- Did I not pull my card in time? –> I am not sure. It might depend on the casino
- Or is slot technology on to card pulling? –> Yes, some places are on to card pulling
- Does it vary by machine? –> Possibly. If it does, I would think the newer machines would be more likely to have this technology implemented
- Or maybe by casino? –> Yes
- I’m thinking the move going forward is pulling the card at some point into the run (maybe half the expected run?) and then cashing out, and immediately reinserting without the card. –> I would be careful doing this
I’m curious to hear if anyone has other thoughts or experiences. Overall, try to think if the juice is worth the squeeze if you’re thinking about card pulling to hide wins.
Ben Rosenthal.
Nicholas Reed
Michael Kalo
