1. Slot Machine Percentage Sheet
2. Slot Machine Payout Percentages Washington

Sep 16, 2013 In Las Vegas and elsewhere in the United States, slot machines constitute about 70% of the average U.S. Casino’s income. The figures in the European nations are similar to what you see in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Almost anywhere you go, you’ll find gaming machines are the flashiest and biggest part of a casino floor.

Did you know that about 70% of the casinos’ income comes from slot machines? These are probably the most popular contemporary form of gambling, and as modern times brought new challenges, slot machines evolved, too.

Older models were mechanical as they’d used physical reels, but nowadays we have modern slots, equipped with complex microchips which make the winning combinations land on the reels in a random manner, using something called the Random Number Generator or RNG.

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What Is the Random Number Generator (RNG)?

All the slot machines in all the casinos now operate by utilizing the RNG, a microchip that generates numbers all the time, even when nobody plays the machine. These numbers are created at a rate of several billion hundreds of times per second!

Be it a classic slot, a video slot, or perhaps a progressive slot, the generated numbers are what actually determines the position of the reels.

When you pull the lever or press the button, the machine actually displays the position of the latest numbers generated, as the random numbers correspond to positions on each of the machine’s reels.

The RNG is a microprocessor, the brains of the slot machine so to speak, and it is very important to understand that no matter what you do while playing, you can’t really affect any of the processes and the numbers generated in a random manner.

The hit frequency and the payout ratio are set and can’t be changed, no matter what!

Functions of the RNG

For as long as the machine is turned on, the RNG will keep producing random numbers each and every millisecond, as that’s its major function. The values derived from the numbers get translated into different combinations of symbols on the machine’s reels.

The outcome of each spin is predetermined by the randomly generated numbers, so the machine is very accurate and impartial at the same time.

What is Hit Frequency?

It’s a number that shows how often a winning combination lands on the slot machine. The higher the hit frequency, the more often the game will render winning combos.

Even though it seems perfect in theory…

…keep in mind that slot machines that have a high hit frequency aren’t necessarily the best ones to play.

If we were to observe it all in a mathematical manner, your chances of hitting the jackpot while playing a slot machine are 27,000 to 1. Even though the winning combo gets generated relatively often, it all comes down to the fact that the probability of pressing the spin button at the precise moment when the jackpot combo is up is extremely low.

What is Payback Rate?

The payback rate is payback percentage of any slot machine. It commonly grows with the amount of money that’s been fed into the machine. Simple as that.

What is the Correlation between Payback Rate and Hit Frequency?

It would be silly if all the slot machines were programmed to have the same payback rates and hit frequencies, so they are actually all different.

When we speak of slots that have a higher hit frequency, we usually refer to them as “loose”, but do remember that these machines don’t come with a high payback percentage.

On the other hand, we have machines with a low hit frequency, and we call these “tight” machines.

Yes…

…you’ve guessed it right, they come with a payout rate that’s better than the one of the so-called loose machines.

When it comes to choosing a slot you want to play and applying some proper strategy, let’s just say that it makes so much more sense to play a tight machine than a loose one, because higher payback percentage certainly beats higher fit frequency.

FAQs

Quite simply, if you’re playing at a licensed casino, then relevant gaming boards and test laboratories guarantee the randomness of all games. Every new machine is checked before it can hit the floor and audited on a regular basis throughout its entire operating life.

No. The RNG does not deal with money, it simply does not know the size of your bet. It only generates random numbers that appear on the reels as the combinations of different symbols.

Yes, casinos have such a possibility, of course, within the boundaries established by regulatory requirements of gaming commissions since every jurisdiction has its own standards for a minimum payback and the frequency of wins. Anyway, they do not do it often since it’s a complicated procedure accompanied by miles of red tape.

While the RNG always works in the same way and guarantees absolute randomness of every spin, the EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) chip inside the machine is in charge of determining payouts valued in money. By replacing the EPROM chip, a slot manager can change the theoretical return of the game, but, of course, not the randomness of the outcome.

Land-based slots are driven by Hardware Random Number Generator or HRNG, which can be described as some kind of external device connected to the casino server’s USB port.

On the other hand, the core of virtual one-armed bandits is Pseudorandom Number Generator or PRNG – a program code created by software developers, so complex mathematical algorithms “tell” reels when to stop.

Typically, both types of RNGs in slots are designed to be able to generateup to 4 billion numbers for every single spin. They always start with a so-called “seed number” used by the program to engender a new, random number, which in its turn becomes a seed to supply the complicated algorithm with more data for the endlessly repeating process.

No. Do not confuse randomness and equality. Even when some symbols (usually low-paying) show up more often than others, the results still can be random.

Yes, they are. Sometimes it is hard to believe but streaks, both winning and losing perfectly fit in the law of probability and come as an inevitable component of the game.

No. Although some slots strategies can contribute to a better and safer experience, they cannot influence on the house edge. Betting systems can be generally divided into two categories: positive and negative progression. The main difference between them lies in the moment of increasing stakes.

The truth is, none of them is able to affect the outcome of a game, regardless of whether it is a single spin or long series of spins. Once and again, sophisticated RNG is the only one that makes sure the result of every single spin of reels is random and absolutely independent from the previous rounds.

No. Many punters believe that casinos try to attract them by making the new releases “looser”. Well, in the eyes of players it could certainly be a nice way of promoting slots, but it is too far from being the truth.

Keep in mind, that payback percentage for the same game can vary from casino to casino as every playing house can decide between several options provided by slot makers.

Yes, your choice does matter!

The overwhelming desire to control our own destiny is in human nature, so the good news is your decisions affect the outcome. The RNG sets the possibilities but the final result (the size of your prize) is not predetermined and depends on your selections.

No. Even though numerous cabinets are linked in a progressive system, each machine works on its own and generates combinations independently. The moment RNG of one of them chooses the sequence that triggers the jackpot, the „lucky“ machine sends a message to the monitoring center, which then informs all other devices about the big hit.

• Factoid: Twenty-five years ago 2 states had legalized gambling and 48 did not. Now 48 do and only 2 do not (Hawaii and Utah.)
• Factoid: Nevada gambling revenue was $1 billion in 1975 ...$10 billion in 2004 and is projected to be $15 billion in 2009.

'Las Vegas was built for people who are really bad at math....' ...Penn Jillette (Penn & Teller, now at the Rio!)

'There are two times in a man's life when he should not speculate: when he can't afford it and when he can.' ...Samuel Clemens, also known as 'Mark Twain' (1835-1910)

In the last decade, entertainment, shopping and fine dining have replaced gambling as the top attraction for visitors to Las Vegas. Many hotels get more than half of their revenue from non-gambling sources.

Although tourists no longer list gambling as the primary reason for their visit, almost all are willing to risk an average of $500 each trying to hit that elusive jackpot.

Nationwide, casino gambling is a $50 billion business. And 20 percent of that amount comes from just one state ...Nevada. One third of all Nevada general tax revenue comes from state gambling taxes.

The state of Nevada and casinos like to call it “gaming” since ”gambling” has such an negative ring to it. We agree. “Gaming” is a better word for the games of chance legally offered in Las Vegas. Games are played for entertainment. And this is how you should treat the money you risk in Las Vegas in hopes of hitting “The Big One.” Play for fun and the “possibility” that you might win. NEVER take Las Vegas gambling seriously.

Gambling laws in Nevada

Las Vegas gambling was legalized in 1931. The Nevada Gaming Commission and Control Board develops and administers all gaming regulations. Their website can make interesting reading. Casinos with more than 15 slot machines pay an annual tax of $250 on each one. There is also an additional monthly tax of up to 6.75% on gross gaming revenue ...a percentage that is the lowest in the U.S.

Anyone working as a gaming employee must be registered with the state and have a valid gaming work permit. This includes all casino workers except bartenders and cocktail waitresses.

You must be 21 to enter a casino, gamble ...or purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. If you look young carry a state-issued ID with photograph such as a driver’s license. Children are permitted in the casino public walkways but are not allowed to be near slot machines or gaming tables. You are allowed to carry open alcoholic beverage containers on the street, but not in a vehicle.

Taxes on gambling winnings

There are some things you should know if you are lucky enough to win. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires all casinos in certain instances to withhold federal taxes if you win over a certain amount. The percentage withheld ranges between 25 and 30 percent depending on how you won. Here is how it works.

If you had gambling winnings, the casino is required by the IRS Information Reporting rules to withhold 28% as income tax if you do not provide a documented TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number, that is, your Social Security Number.) We have heard of cases where it is withheld no matter what. The withholding tax is 30% if a foreign gambler. The tax rate is 25 percent if the amount is over $5,000 (except for non-resident aliens.)

When your winnings exceed a specified threshold and/or tax is withheld, the casino will give you an IRS Form W-2G showing the amount you won and the amount of tax withheld. Report (and take credit for the tax you paid) on your IRS Form 1040 tax return at the end of the year. (Only use Form 1040 if you had gambling winnings; you cannot use any other form.)

Generally, gambling winnings are reportable to the IRS if the amount paid is (a) $600 or more and (b) at least 300 times the amount of the wager. This requirement primarily applies to lotteries, sweepstakes and other big winnings from small bets. It does not apply to winnings from bingo, keno, and slot machines.

Casinos report gambling winnings for these games to the IRS when a player wins $1,200 or more from a bingo game or slot machine or if the proceeds are $1,500 or more from a keno game. When you exceed these amounts, the casino may withhold taxes and will provide you with IRS Form W-2G. They keep the original and give you two copies of the form. (If state income tax withholding is required on gambling winnings in your state, additional taxes may be withheld.)

The rules are different for table games (such as blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette or other spinning wheel games.) Since Nevada casinos do not know the amount you started with, they are not able to determine how much you won (...your taxable gain.) As a result, federal law provides that there is no withholding or even reporting of table game wins to the IRS. It therefore follows that table game winners probably do not report their gambling profits to the IRS.

You not only pay taxes on gambling profits, but you can also claim gambling losses as an itemized deduction as well. But you must keep some kind of documentation (such as a diary or tickets) to substantiate the amount and nature of the losses. In any event, you cannot claim gambling losses that exceed your winnings.

Managing your money

Greed is the downfall of most players. The odds that you will win if you play long enough is statistically wrong ...as is; having doubled your money, you next try to quadruple the winnings (and end up losing it all.) Both concepts have built a lot of nice hotel-casinos in Las Vegas.

My system for managing gambling money is simple. I budget $100 a day which, according to statistics, is about average for Las Vegas visitors. If I am on a five day vacation, I put $100 in each of five dated envelopes ...a total of $500. I ration the money throughout the day and stop when I lose my hundred and do other things. I might stop when I double my allotment. In any event at the end of the day, I either am ahead or behind. If I am ahead, I put whatever portion of the $100 I have left (hopefully it is more than $100) back in the same dated envelope and place it in the room safe that hotels provide. Tomorrow I play with the money in following day’s envelope. The most you can lose is $100 on any given day ...or $500 for your trip. I am happy if I break even ...and you should be too. Once in a while I go home with “their” money. In recent years I have done better. I will tell you how later.

The bad news: There are no casino games or bets where the house does not have a clear advantage. The odds either favor the house ...or they get a commission. And if you are not familiar with basic information about the games you play or bets you make, you are just about a guaranteed loser. In short, casino owners are in business to make a profit. They did not build all those gorgeous hotels by giving away money.

The good news: The reality is that if you are lucky you can win ...and the drinks are free. But statistically the chances are against winning. So the cardinal rule is, over the long haul, whether playing the slots, table games, betting on sports or risking money on anything; you will probably lose. But some bets are better than others.

It is beyond the scope of this website to provide in depth strategy on how to gamble and win in Las Vegas. Many books have been written on the subject and - trust me - none work over the long haul ...or are illegal.

We will, however, cover the most popular games and things you should know as a beginner to have fun and minimize your loss ...and maybe make a few bucks.

Let the games begin

Slot Machine Percentage Sheet

Blackjack (21) is either dealt by hand with one or two decks. Multiple Deck 21 is dealt from a box called “the shoe.” Everyone in Blackjack plays against the dealer. Roulette consists of a spinning wheel marked with numbers 1 through 36 (18 red, 18 black) and American Roulette has a green 0 and 00 ..a total of 38 possibilities. You win if your number, combination of numbers or color comes up. To play Keno, you select a minimum of 4 but no more than 10 numbers on a ticket between 1 and 80. Twenty of the 80 numbered balls are drawn and you win if all your selected numbers are chosen. Craps is a complicated dice game which we do not recommend for first-timers. There are many other table games (and variations) as well. More and more people are playing poker these days and we will also have a little to say about that later.

By far, however, the most prevalent pastime in Las Vegas is playing the slot machines ...and video poker. We will cover the games of chance and sports betting in this chapter ...which you should play, where you should play and the odds of winning.

Slot Machine Payout Percentages Washington

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