1
Identify the exact game
Record the title, cabinet or version, casino, bank location and time. Similar-looking games can use different mechanics or configurations.
Free Field Tool
AP Slot Scouting Checklist
A practical eight-step process for documenting the machine, separating persistent state from visual noise and making a disciplined play-or-pass decision.
Free download • US Letter • No email required
Use it before wagering
Observe. Verify. Decide.
The checklist helps you record what is actually visible before excitement, sunk cost or guesswork changes the decision.
A machine can be AP-capable without presenting a playable state. Passing is part of the process.
Eight-Step Process
Inspect the complete state
Check each item before deciding whether the current situation deserves more research or play.
2
Read the state before wagering
Write down every visible meter, collector, pot, jackpot value and posted upper limit. Use displayed numbers instead of relying on appearance.
3
Separate state from animation
Ask what remains after a player leaves, what resets and whether a later player inherits the progress. A dramatic display can still be cosmetic.
4
Confirm the wager structure
Check denomination, bet level, qualifying wager and whether the visible feature changes with the bet. Know the real cost of each attempt.
5
Check shared versus local progress
Determine whether the state belongs to one machine or a linked bank, whether another player can win it and what event resets it.
6
Estimate value, cost and uncertainty
Compare the observable state with expected play cost, likely feature value and variance. Do not invent precision when information is missing.
7
Make the decision before play
Define the state you require, a stop condition and what would make you pass. If the setup is unclear or no longer meets your criteria, walk away.
8
Record the result - do not chase
Track starting and ending state, time, coin-in, coin-out and notes. A losing session does not prove the decision was wrong, and a win does not prove it was right.
Field Notes
Capture the facts while they are visible
These fields remain on your device and are not submitted to APWebsite.
Final Play / Pass Check
Can you answer all three?
If an answer is no or uncertain: pass and research.
Build the Foundation
Understand each part of the checklist
Use these free guides when a step is unclear.
01
Persistent State
Learn what can remain for the next player and why inheritance may matter.
Read the guide →02
Meters & Collectors
Separate meaningful stored progress from displays that may only look advanced.
Read the guide →03
Play or Pass
Use predefined criteria and uncertainty instead of deciding emotionally.
Read the guide →Machine-Specific Research
Continue from checklist to strategy
The free checklist provides the evaluation process. APWebsite members can access deeper machine-specific guides, selected calculators, entry research and state-evaluation frameworks.
Educational information only. Gambling involves financial risk. No strategy, machine state or calculator can guarantee a win. Follow applicable laws and casino rules, and never chase losses.