What Is Meant by a "Capped Slot Machine?

Often, I see a little sign on a slot machine that says, "This machine cannot be capped." What is meant by that?

Capping a slot machine simply means locking it down. This is most often done by a slot attendant on behalf of a player at that machine who wants to take a break: go to the bathroom, step outside for some fresh air, get a quick snack, etc. Perhaps the player has been on the machine for hours and just knows he or she is about to hit the progressive and doesn't want the next player to come along, insert a five, press the spin button, and steal the jackpot. But the current player can't hold it any longer or is about to expire from hunger.

Some players have been known to abuse the capping privilege. For example, they'll claim to just be going for a quick snack, then sit down to a four-course dinner in the steakhouse. Or they'll lock down one machine and you'll see them an hour later firing away at a different machine in the high-limit pit. Or they simply never return.

It's a tough call for the casino. In some, the slot attendant has discretion and will often ask for how long the player will be gone. If he or she isn't back within a reasonable amount of time, the SA uncaps it. At others, the SA has no discretion and has to follow whatever the slot manager or player's host decides. Still others declare certain slots off-limits for locking up, which is why you see the tag noting that for particular machines, capping is not permitted.

One thing's for sure: Never leave money in a slot machine from which you walk away, whether it's locked for you or not.

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Comments

Sandra Ritter May-09-2019

Don't Walk Away

I was at the Flamingo playing VP 3 steps up from the VP area. My machine was against a post and my daughter's machine was to the right, in a area maybe 3 feet back and 3 feet to the right, like an L.  Of course I had my card and money in my machine. My daughter hit something and I got up to look, touching distance from my machine. I turned around and there was a dude with a ticket in his hand from my machine. I grabbed it and told him to get lost. Now I make sure I'm at least touching my machine and constantly looking back at it if I get up to see what she hit (we usually play the same machines if we're in that area).

Fumb Duck May-09-2019

Gamble

I come to Vegas to gamble, I'll bet you did too.

Those who claim they come to LV only for the food, shows, etc. are probably the same ones who claimed the read Playboy only for the articles.

Dave in Seattle. May-09-2019

Cap your own bar top.

Place a napkin on the screen and cash out. I leave my players card inserted,also.Take your T.I.T.O. with you.(In your wallet)
Just need me a 5 minute break."I'll be back".
  Wash your hands at least 3 times a day.

Dan McGlasson May-09-2019

grease the palm

I may want to return to a machine after a quick break for a variety of reasons - end cap location, quiet surroundings, limited number of like paying machines - whatever.  What I have found is that by showing appreciation to the slot attendant with a fiver tends to make it very easy for "my" machine to be locked down.  I always state up front where I am going and how long I will be gone.  I have never been refused.  Courtesy does pay!

Kevin Lewis May-09-2019

As a former hitman...

Another meaning of the term "capping" is to put an end to or a limit on someone or something--gangland slang is that it's a term for shooting and killing someone. We've all had the urge to do that to a machine at one time or the other.

And Dan, what you're actually telling us is that bribery does pay. Not that I disagree.

Question of the Day - 09 May 2019

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