We stopped by Harveys Monday Nov 5th,there were approx.40 in the machine and 13 remaining in the cage, being curious I called yesterday to find out if the machine was in operation,
and was told a lady just won the last $10 strike and the machine would be sent back to IGT,along with the remaining $40s.I also asked if the remaining $40s could be bought,and was told that by contract they could not be sold and would be melted down.
You are right about the machines being tough, especially at Harrah's. $100 would get you 3 $10 strikes and if you were lucky you might get a $40 strike, but there were times when
I was lucky and got 2, $40s and 1, $10 strike for $20. They made a lot of money on those machines, I would sit at the gaming tables on the weekend and watch the strike machine at Harveys, and was amazed how many people stopped and played for a souvenir Silver Strike.
It was fun while it lasted.