David,
In your dream, the act of putting twenty dollars into a casino/arcade machine to win a game symbolizes risk-taking and investment in your skills or abilities. The casino setting often represents a situation in life where you feel things are left to chance or fortune. Yet, your success in the game indicates a sense of confidence in your abilities and the feeling of reward for your efforts. Being good at the game to the point of suspicion could reflect a part of you that may feel unrecognized or scrutinized by others in waking life, despite your talents or achievements.
The detail of the staff checking your pockets and finding personal items such as your phone, keys, and inhaler suggests a feeling of being examined or evaluated by others. It implies a sense of vulnerability or privacy being invaded, perhaps feeling that you have to prove your integrity or worthiness. The transition to another area to 'discharge your tablet and buy abilities' implies preparation and personal growth. It could be a metaphor for investing in yourself, acquiring new skills or knowledge to tackle upcoming challenges in your life.
Your wife's presence in the dream and her continuation of the game while you prepare for the next suggests a partnership dynamic in tackling life's challenges. It may reflect the balance and support within your relationship, where both of you contribute to shared goals, each playing your part. Her playing the first part while you get ready for what's next could mean that you perceive her as handling current tasks while you gear up for future endeavors or the next steps in your personal growth or career.
Overall, the dream seems to reveal a positive self-perception and anticipation of success based on your abilities and efforts. It highlights areas where you feel the need to prove yourself and suggests personal growth, preparation, and partnership in facing life's challenges. The dream's optimistic tone, with no negative feelings or high emotional intensity, suggests that these themes are currently relevant but not causing you distress. It reflects an active phase where you are gearing up for what's next, with a supportive partnership as a key element in your approach.