Can you win playing a slot machine?

Yes. Slot machines are set to pay back a certain percentage. In New Jersey, by law, slot machines must pay back 83 percent of the money played. In Nevada, it's 75 percent. Most major properties in each jurisdiction, however, pay back much more than that.

But even at 75 percent, a player can hit a lucky streak and go home a winner. Sure, most players may not win anything, but there are plenty who do win if they know the secret. Somebody's got to get lucky. Why can't it be you?

The key to beating the slot machines is to quit while you're ahead. Money management is sometimes an overused term in the gamblers' world, but it applies here. Set a reasonable win goal. If you have a budget of $100, don't try to double your money. The chance of that happening is remote. Quit when you get $25 ahead. Go enjoy a show. Get a meal. Or simply watch the other players. And when you get home, you can say you beat the casino.