In addition to the slot techs, the slot machines have also evolved significantly. In the past, every time a new game theme was received, each slot machine's glass and reel strips had to be physically changed out. Now, our slot techs have USB flash drives programmed with licensed game themes that are uploaded onto the existing machines. While older machines are still swapped out for newer ones, this technology greatly reduces the need to do so frequently.

Slot techs are also responsible for making sure that every machine communicates effectively with the casino management, ticket-in/ticket-out and slot accounting systems. To monitor these transactions, each slot machine is integrated with a customized hardware unit referred to as a Sentinel. This unit links each slot machine with our casino management system and allows us to issue our guests' free play, track the more than two million monthly ticket-in/ticket-out transactions and gather the accounting information required by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB).

When our slot techs receive new machines, a Sentinel unit is installed, the machine theme is loaded, options are set and then a series of specific tests are run to make sure the machine is up to NGCB standards and ready for our guests to play. The positioning and movement of our slots is dependent on guests' preferences. The slot team takes notice of which machines work best and then positions them accordingly.

While we try to get the newest slots within the first few months they become available, some guests prefer traditional machines. For special slot tournaments, our slot team will bring back older models of classic games such as the one below. The model on the left is from the early 2000's and the slot on the right is its modern-day counterpart.

Regardless of which game you prefer; our casino floor is the perfect place to play your favorite slots. Thanks to our amazing slot techs, we have the ability to keep them in excellent condition and ready for your next big win.

Feeling nostalgic for the days when slot machines spit out actual coins? Our Director of Slots, Mark Seligman has seen it all and then some. We sat down with him to talk about how the slot world is changing and what's up and coming on our very own casino floor.

Where do you see the future of slots?

With a different generation comes a different player. Today's new gamer never learned video poker, so they tend to play more video slots. The average video poker player is about 40-60 years old. The penny slots trend has continued to grow in the slot world for the last ten years now. At the end of the year 2009 there were 37,943 penny slots alone in Nevada casinos, attracting $17.8 billion in wagers. In our own casino here at M, we have 1,180 penny slots.

Do you think players miss the one-armed bandits?

There's a very small segment of our older customers that prefer traditional reel slots versus video slots, which is why we keep a section of them on our floor. Even with today's technology, some of the most advanced slot machines still have an arm on their side. Some people still prefer the pull of a handle to the push of a button.

How do you stay on top of and ahead of the curve with it comes to slot trends?

At times it's as basic as a guessing game. You have to look at new themes and know what will work in your casino. You take into account the type of players you get and what they currently like playing. Slot companies will do studies on test bank slots, but at the end of the day it's what the guests like. It's always best to buy a few of a certain theme and buy more if it gains popularity.

What makes a good slot machine?

All that matters is how many of our guests like the machine. What might be a good slot at another casino might not be the right fit for ours. We want to have what our players are interested in playing.

How do you pick slots for us at M?

Trends come and go, which is why slot floors are constantly changing at every casino. When it comes to picking brand new slots in the industry, most of the time it comes down to gut instincts. It's not always scientific; it's about what's popular.

What's new with the slots at M?

In 2011 we added 300 new video slots most of which were new penny slot themes. By doing this it helps us keep our casino floor fresh with new and cutting-edge games. It's all about staying ahead of the curve.

Why do you think people are divided - either slot player or table games players?

A player's gambling preference in this aspect is based on comfort. Table games players tend to feel more in control of their money and slots/video poker players come for the entertainment and value not necessarily for the thrill. But, in the end they're both gamblers.

If you're wondering how Mark got such a cool job (picking slots for a casino and all) he actually started off studying airplanes and aviation. What slot does Mark fancy most? He says he's more of a video poker player.

With over 1,900 slot machines on our floor you'll find a wide variety of video poker, video reels, video keno and reel spinners all for your playing enjoyment. What's your favorite slot machine?