The pinky on his right hand is crooked. He says he broke it on the head of a pickpocket in Bogota, Colombia, where he was looking for new business. He's become an industry renegade. Several years ago, he quit the S.C. Coin Operators Association because he was alarmed at the growth of casinos. Collins built his franchise as a route operator, supplying gas stations, bars and corporate chains such as The Pantry with several machines each.
Competitors are either frightened or angry.
A top official at second-ranked Tim's Amusement says he won't talk about Collins. There's no sign out front. Inside, it could be an insurance office, with its drab furniture and fluorescent lights. Collins doesn't look the part of a gambling bigshot. Collins talks nonstop about himself.