Be not detered by a very few number of people in a very small hobby. Hoarding by dealers and individuals has influenced pricing to a very significant extent in the after market. As far as problems in the casino itself there are a number of steps which can be taken to promote the machines and minimize the problems.

One of the biggest complaints of the collectors is the monopolizing of the machine or machines during a new release and more likely during a short run chase strike issue. A simple policy of one per person puts a speedy end to paid players locking out the general public from play.

Make certain the strikes available in the machine are in the display. Many angry collectors storm the cage after spending a considerable amount of money for a new issue only to keep winning the previous release. A trade policy at the cage can eliminate this problem as well as a proper mix.

Keep the machine or machines in good repair. Broken bill validators and general jams slow play and raise tempers.

One should consider the amount of a particular release. The magic number seems to be about one hundred. Once this low level is approached there are not enough to satisfy the demand and the situation is ripe for a few to obtain the majority of the release. Issues of 200 - 500 would be recommended with the higher number more of a deterent. Keep this in mind for chase strikes and or $200 issues.

Anchor/IGT seems to feel the market for strikes are tourists not collectors. The Hard Rock Cafe had a Web cam which could be moved about the casino. My primary interest was their strike machines so I visited the casino frequently via the Internet. Much to my surprise most play was by a person walking by stopping at the machine with a puzzled look on his or her face. A bill was inserted which I assume was a $10 or $20 and rarely did a strike get vended so shoulders were shrugged and they walked away. Certainly a profitable situation for the casino but a repeat customer has not been cultivated. This tourist lot could be educated to increase play. A brief explanation of strikes could be placed in the display. References could be made to the strike club with an internet address. To carry this further all three current strike book authors (Andersen, Becker, Howdy ) could be contacted to vend their books in the casino gift shop. References to the gift shop sale of these books could also be placed on or in the machines.

Last but not least educate the casino employees about strikes. The location or locations of the machines seems to be a mystery in many casinos. Cage staff should be made aware of the program and the casino policies. Once again trading is a good way to avoid problems.

Looking forward to your new strikes!

Tom