Quoted from AlexF:It's probably confusing to a fair number on this site. I consider myself more of a coin-op collector than anything. I like the variation of different EM and mechanical machines. Vending, arcade, slot machines, trade stimulators are all interesting to me.
I kind of understand your point as far as gameplay goes. A lot of these mechanical slots don't have much variation. With that said there are different manufacturers and designs that are interesting and beautiful. The more modern slots have more variation in interaction and gameplay. Similar to a modern pin.
I only have the one slot machine but would buy more if the price is right. I will never play the pins in the morning. The slot is upstairs in my office. Almost every day before work I like to drop a nickel and pull the handle once. Just kind of a fun test to see how the day may go. Like George Bailey lighting the cigar lighter in It's a Wonderful Life. Hot dog!
My fascination has multiple facets. First being the coin-op piece, but only my older machines use coins. The newer ones are ticket / cash based.
Second is the mechanical aspect. I know it's just spinning reels on the newer one. The newer ones do have fun bonuses though, good music and light shows.
Probably my biggest draw to them is the aspect of luck. I have a decent understanding of how their software works, and to me it's a bit like playing the lottery, albeit without any reward. It's the hunt of just pushing the button over, and over, and over and thinking through the terrible odds, and being amazed when something does hit.
Of course, playing them at home (set to max payout) really puts in perspective how bad your odds are in a casino. The machine has to "keep" a lot of money before paying out. Hence why I rarely play them in casinos. Blackjack is my game when I'm playing for real money.
It doesn't seem like there's much of a market for slots. I see some sit for a very long time on FB marketplace. For $250/each, I got a steal on mine (well, in my mind). Yet, nobody else seemed to be biting on them, or at least the seller didn't tell me he'd had more inquiries. If it were a pinball for $250, you'd better get in your car immediately with cash in hand....
The guy I bought mine from asked the same thing - why in the world would you want them in your house? =)