Grip the handle and turn the crank. Watch the roller turn. Wait for that clink, reach into the little door. Turn over the still-warm, copper-colored oval in your palm. Smile. It’s a pretty penny.

The noise is unmistakable, though it’s heard at fewer and fewer casinos these days. Clank-clank-clank-clank-clank. That’s the sound of money — metal coins hitting a metal tray — signifying slot or ...