lucky Wheel of Fortune at the airport, or what??

A question for the Wizard: I've read all your advice on slots. Random, no winning systems, best to never even play. I read that progressive slots like Wheel of Fortune are worse than their peers. I also read that the slots at McCarran have the lowest payout, as of 2002 (85%)...

Well. I just had a long layover and spent 1.5 hours lurking the Wheel of Fortune quarter slot machines. Whenever someone burned through $10-$40 and left without hitting the bonus wheel, I put in a $20 bill and played max bet (5 lines) until I hit the wheel myself. 8 out of 8 times I hit the wheel before burning through my $20. I repeat, 8 out of 8. I profited between $2.75 and $20 each time I cashed out and got on my flight with $85 profit.

So. Was this just luck? Or are Wheel of Fortune machines variable state like you talk about? Or are they considered the type of bonus machines that build up a bonus (the spin of the wheel) the longer people lose?? What do you make of this???