That's given as an example of "in a manner contrary to the designed and normal operational purpose" - to me, it sounds more like a mechanical slot machine being manipulated by pulling it in such a way that the mechanism doesn't engage in the usual way, perhaps only releasing one of the wheels after you've gotten two to line up well by chance.

Pulling the lever at a time you know to be right still sounds like using it for its normal operational purpose to me. Slot machines are designed to have their levers pulled, even when they will pay out as a consequence.