If only I had my dad's gambling gene

Actually, the headline above probably should read: "Thank God I don't have my dad's gambling gene."

After all, if I did have that particular gene, I'd likely spend way too much time trying to figure out how I could acquire the Japanese Bubble Bobble slot machine that's being sold via this eBay auction.

I mean, this contraption is nearly worth the price of admission (currently $499.99) just for its adorable marquee--which features a winking Bubblun--alone, don't you think?

Also worth at least a portion of that admittedly hefty price tag are the Stoners (no, not that kind) that appear to take up space between the cherries and oranges and other fruits.

Another enticing aspect of this particular auction: The slot machine in question currently resides in Tacoma, Washington, which is just down the road (well, sort of) from Seattle.

All that said, me buying this adorable one-armed bandit is about as likely as someone sending me an FM Towns Marty and a copy of that system's Bubble Bobble port free-of-charge, so don't hold your breath waiting for another post on this subject.

See also: 'Let's Play: Which Box Art is Better? (Bubble Bobble edition)'