I played the Konami game, "Billionaires", which I think it is very simple, and appealing game for the "low roller". The game was frequenty available -- and there was a good reason. The game had arrived at the casino configured for line bets of 1,5,10,20 or 25 coins (with a total of 9 paylines).

Most conventional machines offer line bet buttons of 1,2,3,4,5 or 1,2,3,5,10 and the ability to select another amount using the screen. On a Konami game, using the buttons in the only way. Therefore you could bet 1 nickel on each line (9x5cents=45 cents) -- or the next level was 5 nickels on each line for a total of $2.25.

It is, in my opinion, irresponsible of the manufacturer to not allow a bet between 45 cents and $2.25 (technically, you could reduce the number of lines are you are playing). It is also irresponsible of the casino to not notice this machine was configured in this way. People were staying away because they didn't like the bet options --- it had nothing to do with the game. After about 6 months, the game was converted to something else ... and I assume the casino never knew why this game was never popular with guests.

What if the manufacturers had a system similar to the older single line mechanical reels -- each push of the button raises the bet per line, until the person presses spin.

Better yet --- what if the person could set different bets on each line ... perhaps covering every line with a single bet, but betting 5 credits on line 7 (the person's lucky line).

Slot machines should have more options, not less.

/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\