A slant top slot machine is described where a raised translucent or transparent housing for light emitting diodes (LEDs) surrounds the main display area of the machine. In the case of a video machine, the raised housing surrounds the video screen. Light from multicolored LEDs in the housing, when illuminated, is emitted downward from the sides of the raised housing to illuminate the front surface of the slant top surface. In one embodiment, the slant top surface is brushed stainless steel so that the LED light reflects off the stainless steel surface and reradiates the light outward toward the player. In an embodiment where the raised housing raises the video screen and the LEDs above the front surface, the screen is optically separated from the rest of the machine, and the player can more easily concentrate on the game since other features on the front surface appear to be in the background. The LED light also illuminates any player-control devices and other features on the front surface, allowing the ambient light to be lower.