1. If a slot machine hasn't paid out for awhile, it's due for a win.
2. A slot machine can tell the difference between maximum and minimum bets.
3. Players can determine a machine’s odds by counting the symbols on each reel.

4. Using a player's club card will increase the chance of winning a jackpot.
5. After hitting a jackpot, a player should move to a new slot machine. The machine currently in play is not likely to hit again.

Answers:

1. False. Slot machines operate randomly at all times - no matter how many wins or losses have occurred in the past. A machine that has not paid out for a while has no greater chance of paying out in the future.
2. False. The number of coins played – or the amount of a wager – does not affect the outcome of a game it only affects how much a player may win or lose.
3. False. Because multiple numbers generated by the RNG (random number generator) can correspond to the same symbol on a reel, there are many more number combinations possible than are visible to the eye. Even though there may be only 15 symbols on a reel, there can be thousands of virtual stops.
4. False. The RNG that determines the outcome of each play is not linked to the player's club card reader. The RNG cannot tell whether a card is inserted or not, so the outcome of the game is not affected.
5. False. The odds of winning another jackpot on the next play are the same as they were before hitting the jackpot. There is no such thing as a "hot" or "cold" slot machine.

*Facts and figures taken from the American Gaming Association's Guide to Understanding Slot Machines

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.

Blackjack - The Thinker

If the blackjack table is always your first stop in a casino, chances are you're in it for more than just luck. Knowing basic strategy for blackjack increases a player's chance of winning. When a player acts on a hunch, they can end up giving up that big advantage which is where strategizing and thinking comes into play.

Poker - The Introvert

Poker has become one of the most popular games in every casino; players can usually be seen sitting at tables for hours on end with headphones in their ears or sunglasses on. It's the only game where players are competing against each other and not the house, which can lead to the introverted action in the poker rooms.

Video Poker - The Insightful

Winning at certain table games and slots all depend on luck but video poker is a game of skill. Video poker machine usually have a high payback rate when you play perfect basic strategy. Knowing the strategy (similar to knowing the basics in blackjack) increases your odds. Keeping a close eye on the moves you make in each hand is vital for a video poker player.

Progressive Slots - The Risk Taker

Gambling any large amount of money can deem you a risk taker, but those who opt for the progressive slots are in it for the thrill. Progressive slots offer jackpots larger than usual (think in the hundreds of thousands and sometimes millions). But, to be eligible for the larger-than-life jackpots you have to play the max bet during your spins. Playing the max bet can add up but if you hit the jackpot it will certainly pay off.

Craps - The Extrovert

Odds are when you're walking by a craps table you'll hear whooping and hollering and see the players giving high-fives and other lively gestures. The craps tables are usually the center of attention on a casino floor and tend to attract the most animated of players. This fast-paced game intimidates some, but is a favorite to many.

Of course, not all poker players are introverts and not every progressive slots players is a big risk-takers. These personality traits are a generalization of the average player for each game. Let us know which game of choice you are. Do you think the traits above are similar to your personality? Share your thoughts with us below!

Party

We think cover charges are overrated so we invite our guests to celebrate without waiting in line or paying an entry fee. We'll be offering complimentary party favors, and cake and champagne stations throughout our casino. Toast the New Year with us and enjoy live entertainment beginning at 9pm in Lobby Bar, Ravello Lounge, M Bar and Hostile Grape. See which venue is the right fit for your celebration style.

Ravello Lounge - The New Year's evening will kick off in our lounge with go-go dancers and a DJ spinning hits to get the party started, beginning at 9pm. At 10pm, 80's tribute band Loveshack will take the stage and sing the best of the 80's and 90's and some NYE-style party music. The entertainment in Ravello will be going all night long and is ideal for our high-energy party goers.

Lobby Bar - Relax at Lobby Bar and take in a performance by Lowkey Junction. The band is a unique blend of masterful music mixes, live percussion and saxophone. With the best people-watching views, Lobby Bar is the perfect fit for a relaxed New Year's celebration.

M Bar - For those who like to be at the center of all the action, M Bar is for you. Located in the middle of our casino floor, DJ Simon and go-go dancers will be kicking off this party at 9pm. Get there early for a seat on M Bar's cushy couches or get your groove on to the tunes DJ Simon will be spinning.

Hostile Grape - Take a sip of more than 160 wines by the glass in our underground wine hideaway. Veteran DJ Art will be mixing up the music for the night for the oenophiles.

Play

End the year with good luck here at M! We'll be giving away $24,000 in free pay randomly beginning at 8pm on New Year's Eve. Every 15 minutes we'll be drawing 10 winners. Two players will win $300, four players will win $150 and another four will win $100. All you have to do is play with your iMagine Rewards Card to be eligible.

Not to be outdone, our poker room will be giving away a grand share of money as well. Play with us and you could win the following: Heart Royal = $2,012; Club Royal = $2,012; Diamond Royal = $2,012 and Spade Royal = $2,012. All Four of a Kinds = $212 and the poker room will have $2,012 in cash giveaways. Complete details can be found in the M Poker Room.

Dine

Our restaurants will be ready for you to kick-off the New Year's festivities. Marinelli's, our authentic Italian restaurant will be offering a la carte specialty items in addition to its regular menu beginning at 4pm and our steakhouse, Anthony's will be serving up a limited menu for the holiday starting at 5 pm. And of course, Studio B Buffet will be serving specialty dishes all day.

No matter which way you decide to spend your holiday night, we hope to have you at M to celebrate 2012! We wish all of our guests a happy and safe New Year.

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?

One thing you're bound to see more of this year are slots with community bonuses. While they were introduced a while back, these types of slots have continued to grow in popularity. And why not? When one person wins, everybody wins!

You'll also be finding more great popular culture themed games hitting casino floors. These games aren't just restricted to a single time period either. Tarzan, Dirty Dancing, The Dark Knight, The Hangover, The Godfather and many more are on the way. Movies not your thing? Television is represented too with games based on popular shows like American Idol and a new Deal or No Deal themed slot.

Perhaps the most significant trend for 2011 you'll see however, is the expansion of interactive games which offer direct player input. Generally taking the form of bonus games, these slots ask players for more than simply selecting an item on a touch screen. Look for bonuses including mini-games where your skill and direct input have a bearing on the outcome. From spinning a virtual wheel and using pinball-like flipper action buttons, to fending off alien invaders and more, these slots will definitely make you a part of the action.

It's not just the great new games and technology you'll find on our casino floor that make M a great place to play slots, however. Natural light on the casino floor, 96 beers on tap just waiting for slot players to order, and let's not forget an amazing player's club with tons of free gifts and great comps are all things that make M a delight for players. There's always something extra you get here at M too - great service. As a Forbes Four-Star property, you know the staff here is going to be top-notch. From our award winning M Girl cocktail waitresses to the technicians keeping those machines up and running, our Team Members are a big part of what will surely make your time gaming a pleasure.

Here at M we're inviting guests young and old to enjoy our Forbes Four-Star resort your way with a celebration to suit every taste and all price points. With no cover charges or pre fixe menus, you’re free to dine at your leisure, dance the night away or enjoy the thrill of red-hot gaming action and a champagne toast at midnight.

We’ll offer complimentary party favors and cake and champagne stations throughout the property's 92,000 square foot casino and live entertainment in the Lobby Bar, entertainment lounge, Ravello, and popular wine bar, Hostile Grape, which features more than 160 wines by the glass. A designated area outside Hostile Grape in Villaggio Del Sole pool piazza will be set-up for those who want to leisurely party by the pool.

With a vantage point 400 feet above the Las Vegas Strip properties, you’re invited to view the fireworks from the M Resort's six terraces including our 16th floor restaurant, Veloce Cibo. All three of our fine dining restaurants, Marinelli's, Terzetto and Veloce Cibo, will accept reservations for the evening and will offer standard menus. Hash House A Go Go will add special items to its popular "twisted farm food" menu for the evening.

DINING

ENTERTAINMENT

Lobby Bar - 7pm Mark B

So join us for dining, drinking, dancing and gaming at the best New Year's Eve party in Vegas here at M Resort!

Wine is one of those things that is very much subjective. There are some you love and others you just can't stand. And don't you hate it when you order an entire glass of one that you really don't care for? No worries in Hostile Grape: the enomatic wine machines here allow you to taste a huge variety of wines in one, three and five ounce pours with prices to match. Get a small taste if you're trying something for the first time that you're not sure about, or get a whole glass if it's a favorite.

The M Girls 2011 Calendar is definitely cool, as are the ladies themselves, and this is one cool thing here at M that won't be around forever so get 'em while they last. They're available for just $10+tax at 32 Degrees and Studio B Buffet and part of the proceeds goes to benefit the American Cancer Society.

There are some absolutely amazing chandeliers and other light fixtures here, but perhaps the most spectacular is in M Bar. It's made of thousands upon thousands of individual pieces that took an awful long time to assemble. It's definitely worth a gander.

How about another "M" something? It's our M Cider and it will definitely make you go "Mmmmm."

Want to rid yourself of that winter chill? Try the therapy pools at Spa Mio. They'll warm you up and relax those holiday stress knots right out of you. Ooh! Cool chandelier again!

Yes it's more wine, but it's really the room we wanted to point out. This is the electric wine room at Marinelli's. It's electric red and just so happens to house some pretty amazing reds you can enjoy with dinner.

Tucked between Terzetto and the Lobby Bar is the Oyster Bar. It's a great spot to saddle-up for some delicious seafood treats and easy conversation.

Here's one of our other favorite "M" things - the M sign on the side of the hotel tower. It can be programmed to do all sorts of cool things and if you come out to the property right now, you'll see it's gone all candy cane for the holidays.

You're not in Kansas anymore - this is Vegas baby! The new Great and Powerful Oz slots are REALLY cool. These slots feature some of the latest sensory immersion technologies, great bonuses and communal gaming.

And while we're on the topic of gaming, have you tried it away from the slots and tables yet? Here at M we offer Cantor Gaming's eDeck devices which feature slots, video poker and table games right from a small wireless device.

That's ten! Come down and check them out!

The latest tech that's sure to catch on has taken interactivity to a whole new level. Gone are the days when you pushed a button or even touched a "button" on the screen to activate your bonus. Now you can reach up and spin the wheel yourself. Bally's new Cash Spin machines and its "U-Spin" bonus allow players to spin the bonus wheel with the result being based on their physical input - they start the virtual wheel spinning and the amount of pressure they apply as well as the speed at which they move their hand affects the outcome of the spin. (By the way, you're not allowed to give that gentle nudge to click over one space!)

With the continued rise in popularity of video games among all age groups and demographics as well as the success of games that are more and more interactive for players, it looks like it's only a matter of time before you'll see more machines like Cash Spin popping up on slot floors.

Themed games have also always been popular on floors. Is it a culture like ancient Egypt you're interested in, or perhaps a trip to London? Maybe it's just an activity, like fishing. One of the newer trends in slots are themes based on popular culture. Reality TV shows like "Amazing Race" and game shows such as "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" are represented. Even blockbuster films are getting their chance on the floor with games like "Sex and the City."

Ultimately, there's a game that's entertaining and fun for just about any taste. We all have our favorites - old and new - and there are surely many more amazing things to come in the future when it comes to slots. Whatever your game, we hope you'll join us here at M Resort to play it.

First let's get him ready for his big day so take him down to Spa Mio. He may resist at first, but you can assure him spas are for guys too. Get him the "Mio Man Time Package" - a 50-minute Therapeutic Massage and a Haircut or Master Shave for just $140 (a $50 savings). Or how about the "Dad's Day Out" package - a 50-minute Relaxation Massage and a For Him Facial for just $185 (a $70 savings). Maybe the "Mr. Big Package" - a Master Shave or Haircut and Manicure and Pedicure for dad for just $125 (a $15 savings). Believe us, if he's never had a master shave it's going to make his day!

He's bound to be hungry now so head over to Baby Cakes where you can get dad a delicious cup of coffee (or he can even indulge in that mocha-frappa-latte-whipped-cream-thingy we know he loves but he'll never admit to) and a fresh-made pastry. Italian donut anyone?

Now it's time for a little fun in the Vegas sun. Rent dad a cabana or daybed where he can relax poolside with a fresh summer cocktail or ice cold beer. There's cool blue waters and spectacular scenery for him to enjoy while he works hard at being lazy.

Hungry again!? It's time to settle down and indulge in the best buffet in Las Vegas - Studio B. Beer and wine are included in the price and when it comes to eats, he'll find more choices than he can imagine - delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts that won't quit! The whole family can go back for more…and more…and more.

We know dad has given you money a TON of times, so maybe you should slip him a twenty and take him to his favorite game. Is he a blackjack man? Poker? Maybe he likes to hit the slots? Give him the chance to win it big on his big day.

Let's face it, most dads like beer, sports and TV. Just off the casino floor he'll find his dream trifecta in 32 Degrees Draft Bar. With 96 beers on tap there's something he's sure to like while he watches all the games on a slew of TVs. He can even pop over to the Race & Sports book to make a bet. If he'd rather stay where he's at, we've got mobile gaming and betting for him!

It's time for dad's special Father's Day meal and there's no better place than Terzetto. It's home to hand-selected prime cuts of beef, including a reserve list from the Marnell family ranch in Montana. Dine on the terrace and watch the sun set with a spectacular view of the Strip and valley.

Remember that dads need the best when it comes to rest and relaxation this Father's Day and you'll find the best here at M Resort. And don't forget to tell him you love him and thank him for all he does!