The slots you're referring to are called Silver Strike machines, which pay out prizes of limited-edition minted coins, issued as prizes from special Silver Strike slot machines, originally introduced by Anchor Gaming and now manufactured by IGT (which took over Anchor some years back). The strikes are encased in a protective plastic holder known as a "cap" and, unlike other tokens issued in the casino, which are generally virtually worthless in themselves, these coins actually have a face value -- generally of $10, although some are worth $300. In the past strikes have been issued with redeemable values of $2, $3, $5, $7, $12, $20, $28, $40, and $200 and ranged in size from 1-1/2 inches to 3-1/2 inches in diameter, depending on the value (the $2 and $3 strikes were actually made of brass, not silver) but all of these have since been withdrawn.)
In terms of composition, $10 strikes have a .999 Silver center insert, with an outer ring of brass. The pproximate silver weight of the insert is 0.60 troy ounces, although some of lesser weight/value were issued in the mid-2000s. Taking into account their collectibility, strikes often have an immediate street value far higher than their face value.
As to the game itself, it's a reel spinner with a top prize of 2,500 credits. You must wager three credits to be eligible for the Silver Strike prize. If you win one, you have the choice of redeeming it for cash or keeping it as a souvenir. It’s best to keep it, because it appreciates in value (which often doesn't take long, since each casino regularly issues different strikes, all in limited-edition runs; check out www.jackpotauctions.com or eBay to see how collectible these tokens are).
The first time we addressed a QoD on strikes was back in November, 2005, and at that time machines were to be found all over town. Here's the participating casino list from back then:
LAS VEGAS - STRIP:
Aladdin (now Planet Hollywood), Bally's, Barbary Coast, Bellagio, Boardwalk, Caesars Palace, Circus Circus, Imperial Palace, Mirage, Monte Carlo, New Frontier, New York-New York, Palms, Slots A Fun, San Remo (now Hooters), Stardust, Treasure Island
DOWNTOWN:
California, El Cortez, Fitzgeralds, Four Queens, Golden Nugget, Las Vegas Club, Plaza
OFF-STRIP:
Gold Coast, Hard Rock, McCarran Airport, Orleans, Sam's Town, Silverton, Primm Valley (Primm), Buffalo Bill's (Primm)
Fast forward to 2012 and several of these properties no longer exist, including Barbary Coast, Boardwalk, New Frontier, and Stardust, so those are obviously off the list -- but so, too, are most of the others. Today, Silver Strike machines are to be found only at El Cortez, Four Queens* (which hosts annual Silver Strike tournaments, the next one being scheduled for Jan. 25-27, 2013) , the Mirage, and Sam's Town. Check out silverstrikers.com, the official site of the Silver Strikers Club, for details of where on the casino floor the machines are located.
*There's a Silver Striker and LVA member who always helps us out with these answers, and informed us on this occasion that Four Queens is issuing special limited-edition Halloween strikes, in both $10 and $300 denomination. They'll be hitting the casino floor on Oct. 31, appropriately enough, but if you want a shot at winning one, be aware that every Silver Striker who can make it will be after 'em, too! (Thanks, as always, for the tip, Pam!)
