Various aspects described or referenced herein are directed to different methods and systems for facilitating secure access to various components of electronic wager-based gaming devices such as video slot machines, video poker machines, and other types of wager-based gaming machines. One aspect disclosed herein is directed to an improved button panel assembly design which enables a button panel to be attached/detached to/from the gaming machine cabinet in a manner which does not require the opening of the main access door, and in a manner which does not require access to the interior of the gaming machine cabinet. Another aspect is directed to an improved button panel security system.