This means SHE was avoiding the losses not actively trying to make a profit. That's how I read first time and still how it reads now. I guess the use of the term "hacking" in this sense wasn't a great idea.

The term is being used like life-hacking.

I have to be in the casino,

I have to play slots (no blackjack)

How do I make this work?

... I play for penny stakes instead of dollar stakes.

The fact that she did actually win something was just dumb luck.

You should really go back and read the rest of it, it is well worth it.