I bought a Macbook Pro just. last. week.

sigh.

How are software errors legally taken advantage of by casinos?

The machines are tested by the manufacturors, then by a 3rd party testing lab such as GLI, then often undergo further testing before being publicly available... depending on jurisdiction. Yeah, stuff gets through sometimes. Regulators continue to monitor and/or spot check machines while they are in the field. If something gets discovered in the field, action is usually taken fairly quickly. Depending on the nature of what was discovered, a software update may be ordered or the machine may be recalled (sometimes immediately).

The jurisdictional regulator exists to protect the players, not the casinos. The majority of regulations are designed to ensure the players get a "fair shake." That said, of course the casinos are in the business to make a profit... but at least in a manner that is predictable and "fair".

So a warning that covers a timeframe *today* somehow explains a missile launched *yesterday*? Ummm... try again.

The US Navy test range for sud-launched ICBMs is off the coast of San Diego, well south of the point of this launch. Been there, have the t-shirt.

On the "bright" side, they might qualify for alternative energy tax credits...

...and secure our physical borders?

*yawn* I did that back in the 70's and got away with it.

Wait a minute... what's the statute of limitations on that???

The specification teaches the invention, not prior art. If the invention was covered by prior art it wouldn't be novel and therefore wouldn't be patentable.

You're correct in saying that the claims actually define the invention.

If you're quoting a real Claim 1, it's not properly formed and will get thrown out anyway - it lacks proper antecedent basis.