You normally see regular fruit-machine players (I call them 'classics') in seaside arcades. They are the people who think they've developed a relationship with their favourite machine in order to understand how it works. They end up feeling that the machine is thinking for itself. It's not. Every time you play, a random-number generator decides if you're a winner. It's absolutely a game of chance.

A very basic machine will have three different reels of pictures on it, while the more advanced machines offer five picture reels and up to 20 possible ways to get a matching line - vertically, diagonally, in a V-shape, etc. Check the winnings table on the front before you start. Although these five-reelers give you more ways to get a match, you are not necessarily guaranteed to win any more money.

For me, it's the element of chance that makes playing fun. But you can make it more stimulating. Lots of machines offer a 'hold' button - so if, say, you get two cherries in a line you can keep hold of them while spinning the rest of the reels to get a match. Nowadays, not many machines offer a 'nudge', but if you have one you can use it to move reels up or down to make a winning row.

You can become almost hypnotised by these games, so my advice is to play on one machine in several 15-minute sessions, take time out, and then come back. It's also crucial to set yourself a budget. I've only ever lost £30 in a night. If you win, then great, you can reinvest it or walk away. Do not start chasing your losses.

For further information, go to cecuregaming.com

Interview by Danielle Hine