Automated Bonusing for slot players came of age in the early 2000's through the genius of visionary and prolific inventor, John Acres. Advancements in slot systems communication protocols made it possible to deliver bonus game credits to players. Bonusing was born.
Value added for slots had been around forever. From free coin to Circus Circus' free stuffed animals (pink) with jackpots, casino operators saw results from those tactics. In the mid-80s with Herb Pastor, we built an "automated" double jackpot handling the technical side. The vision: Every 15 minutes, for every 30 seconds, all wins were paid double. A win of two coins or more during the time period triggered a relay switch that lit up the machine number on a central tote board. Casino attendants would hand pay winners with the minutes that followed.
We designed the exterior signs. I wrote and produced a parody to "Aba Daba Honeymoon" as a musical signature that played during Double Jackpot Time. I remember writing all the technical details in sequence for the sign manufacturer, a requirement document of sorts. I always loved hearing the song we created bellow onto Fremont Street. Herb continued the promotion for years after I had moved on.
Irony #1 In some ways, double jackpot time at Sassy Sally's was a precursor to bonusing. Irony #2 "Aba Daba Honeymoon" was performed in the iconic movie Singing in the Rain Staring Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly and Donald O'Conner. Years later, after a two-hour interview in the front seat of my car, on a Sunday, in the rain, in front of The Paddlewheel (really) Debbie Reynolds - THE Debbie Reynolds hired me, Vince Manfredi from University Heights, Ohio, to help her with PR and marketing during the preliminary stages of her Hollywood Hotel and museum in Las Vegas.
Working with Debbie was a thrill and a privilege. Her determination and her hard work were inspirational.