Hi Jon,
I have been a collector for over 10 years and I have been in your situation before. Waiting for a machine to play for strikes. It is all about timing. As others have said, early mornings or very late at night is best. Like all machines in the casinos, it's first come, first serve. I have seen players with a tray full strikes playing away. For whatever reason, it is their right to stay there as long as they choose. Not because of deliberate greed or rudeness directed at you. I always root for the underdog and I am always happy anytime, anyone wins from any casino. If I want just one of the new strikes, usually, I send my wife or I, myself, would chummy up to the player and offer to buy one from them. My wife has better luck than I do. Try this the next time you are unable to find a machine. Most of the time, I would get a better price from the player than to try to and win one myself. Usually between $11-$14 each( a great deal!). I am actually, very happy for these players and usually before I leave, I would sincerely thank them, and wish them continued success in their quest. I am not a member of the SS Club, but I have done business with many of their members. In my personal opinion, they are truly some of the very best folks I have ever had the honor and pleasure of doing business with. I think you will find this to be true, once you get to know or do business with any of them.
Gene
eBay Seller ID: dal166322