Regular slot players say they have mixed feelings about the potential for the centrally controlled games.

But gambling proponents contend that studies show that many slot players are relatively well educated and middle class.

Overwhemingly, these frequent slot players are retired people living on pensions and Social Security.

And like Greta Garbo, slot players want to be left alone - with their machines.

Mr. Mullins says he has actually stopped slot players who seem to be in over their head.

Money from small-scale slot players like them adds up to the majority of the gaming halls' daily takes.

Newcomers can find the personal interaction with dealers or other players at the tables intimidating - slot players avoid that.

In most of the country, slot players can figure on about a 93 percent payout percentage, though payouts in Nevada run higher.

This has two practical effects for slot players.

Video poker and skillful progressive slot players are rarely ejected, but it has happened.