The reason Caesars $40 and $200 are not in play is that there is a software glitch. Ordinarily, that would have been solved a while ago, but with two Gaming conventions in Las Vegas just a couple of weeks apart, the gaming companies have been devoting all their energies to preparing for the show and haven't been able to devote any time to fixing the problem. The strikes in both denominations are minted and in the vault at Anchor.

Same reason has hung up the strike machine to be located next to the ESPN Zone at NYNY. The pedestal and glass haven't been made either. These strikes will not replace any strikes currently in play but actually replace the whole Motown machine which ceased play when the Motown Cafe closed up shop.

There is a large amount of activity, at least from the artwork standpoint. One casino, Mandalay Bay, has signed off on a set, all depicting different sharks. I think this is in conjunction with either a lawyers' convention at the casino or maybe the new Shark Reef attraction.
Some of the artwork relates to the end of the millennium strikes (after two years) but there are some new and returning players. Several other casinos are just going to change designs on existing strikes. If all go through with plans, then there should be at least three new casinos, two putting machines back in after removing them as well as five changing designs.

Expect some big news from O'Shea's with Halloween and Christmas strikes and probably a $200. Since O'Shea's success has been noted by the big brother next door, there is a possible series of three $200s being discussed at the Flamingo.

For all us non-Nevada collectors, Fortune Bay is introducing a new set which may already be in play.