LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – While artificial intelligence is reshaping industries from finance to fast food, there’s one surprising career in Las Vegas proving resistant to the rise of the machines: slot machine repair technicians.
In a city powered by blinking lights, spinning reels and jackpots, slot machines are the beating heart of nearly every casino. But behind every spin is a technician, often armed with a toolbox and decades of experience, ensuring those machines are functioning properly and legally.
According to Barry Driskill, owner of Klar Slot Machine Repairs and a 25-year veteran of the industry, no robot is ready to take his job.
“A lot of times with artificial intelligence, it’s an instant answer, and there might be some follow-up. As far as continuing down that process, that’s where a lot of the time is spent, and you have to have a lot of patience,” Driskill said.
Driskill’s company services machines across the valley, from historic downtown casinos to massive Strip resorts. He said the growing diversity of machines from vintage three-reelers to sleek, high-tech touchscreens only makes the job more complex and more secure from automation.
While casinos have leaned into automation in many areas, including customer service bots, facial recognition security, and even AI-based game design, the intricate maintenance and compliance needs of slot machines still demand human hands and trained eyes.
“It’s a very physical job being in the repair industry. You have to do a lot of moving parts, you need a lot of experience thinking outside the box, and you need innovative thinking to do the repairs,” Driskill said.
Slot machine technicians often need to be certified and licensed, and their work touches everything from circuitry and game logic to ensuring state gaming regulations are met, areas where nuance, troubleshooting, and accountability still matter.
It’s not just the job’s complexity keeping AI at bay, it is also the personal touch.
“The human connection is thinking outside of the box. It’s the pros and cons of what you are trying to do with it, and understand how it works. A lot of times it’s just dumb luck,” Driskill said.
