Whether you are a beginner to playing slot machines or a longtime pro, you will discover exactly how a slot machine works. You will understand the principals of slot machine design; learn how to read a slot's paytable properly; understand slot machine terms; know how to read the player metres, and how to effectively play a slot machine. In essence, you will be able to look at any slot machine, understand the payout system; the type of machine; make an educated decision on whether to play it; play it effectively, and not lose one red cent to any mistake that you may have made before. You will get a better enjoyment out of playing slots; you will not lose as much money, and you will have a better casino experience. The author notes that only a few years ago the estimated revenue of all U.S. casinos was fifty one billion dollars per year and it is not inconceivable that the world take from slot machines may be well over one trillion dollars annually! Since statistically slot machines count towards approximately seventy percent of the casino's take when the casino also has table and other games, U.S. slots could be bringing in thirty five billion dollars a year alone! Even the Canadian casino industry pulls in billions of dollars per year. And all of the previous figures do not take into account bingo, lotteries, and other gambling activities. Yes, slot machines, casinos, and other government sanctioned or controlled gambling operations bring in a mind-staggering amount of money (more than the national worth of some countries), and in most cases a percentage goes directly into government coffers. Like gasoline, tobacco, and alcohol, gambling is a definite cash cow for the government. In this context, Ian Williams examines the social implications of slot machines in our society; both the positive and negative.