A gaming system with a retractable remote controller is provided to remotely play a "slot" type gaming device. The retractable remote controller is tethered to the slot machine by a flexible connector such that upon initiation of play the retractable remote controller can be removed from its home position on the slot machine and at the end of play is automatically returned. The retractable remote controller can be a hand held or lap held device, which is battery-operated or hard wired to the slot machine. Advantageously, a single player can simultaneously operate retractable remote controllers from two or more machines. The retractable remote controller is advantageously alarmed to prevent tampering.