It was like a broken slot machine in the casino that pays off every time. It would keep paying off until someone said something about it; but no one who played the slot machine had any interest in pointing out that it was broken.
The quote illustrates a situation where something that seems advantageous, like a malfunctioning slot machine, continues to benefit individuals without them acknowledging its flaws. In this context, the machine represents a financial system or market that provides returns without scrutiny, suggesting a complacency among those involved. They continue to profit from the system, ignoring the underlying issues that contribute to its operation.
This metaphor highlights the human tendency to overlook problems when things are going well. In a competitive environment, players often prefer to keep their advantage rather than risk disrupting the status quo by addressing the faults. Ultimately, this reflects a broader commentary on the financial industry, where participants may be aware of irregularities but choose to remain silent as long as they are benefiting from them.