David McKee

As my growing freelance workload continues to limit my S&G time, I’m happy to yield the floor to University of South Carolina journalism professor — and frequent Vegas visitor — Augie Grant, who has another guest contribution to make. I just hope you’ll be able to hear him over the din …

As an occasional visitor to Las Vegas (a few times a year), I appreciate the opportunity to share observations via Stiffs & Georges. During a July visit, a new challenge emerged on the casino floor—noise! Now, I realize that noise in a casino is nothing new. I remember the “old days” when the slot machines paid off in coin that were designed to hit metal pans, making as much noise as possible. The machines made noises, too, but the notes were primarily in the major chords of G, F and C. The noises fit together, giving a unique and exciting sound to the casino floor. (Yes, some casinos were more unique than others—the noise level at the old Sassy Sally’s downtown was the loudest I remember, but I’m sure that a few others could challenge the volume.)

But things have evolved since. The new generation of interactive slot machines still provides the same type of noises during regular game play. But the payoffs and bonus rounds have added a new range of noises that are designed to make the games more exciting. And it works — I’m not normally a slot player, but I was lured by the new Star Trek game that provides a unique progressive round that allows the player to build a fleet that will battle in the bonus round. The video, voices and animation are great, and you even have a volume control so you can hear it (and feel it through Continue reading →