CASINO SLOT MACHINES

~The psychology of playing the slots: Certain studies have indicated that being rewarded, no matter how infrequent, has a positive impact on our brains. We will continue to play & anticipate this reward (a good hit or jackpot on the machine). This experiment has been done with mice. They were constantly bombarded with electrical shocks when touching a given lever. That same lever would give food instead of an electrical shock on occasions. The mice would still touch it anticipating food (no matter how infrequent). So we continue to play the slots even though, most of the time, we get nothing...
 
~Note: For the most part (75%), your success playing slots will depend on just plain "pot luck". That is, being on the right machine at the right time. The other 25% of a possible success (minimizing your losses & getting an occasional jackpot) is due to good playing techniques...so, let me give you my recommendations to increase your chances of a success.

~Note: The following discussion is based on my own personal experiences over the last 26 years. Just maybe I can save you some money & grief while you have an enjoyable time.

~Back in 1994, I visited Las Vegas for a few weeks to play in a national billiards tournament at the Rivera Casino. This was my first exposure to the gaming industry.

~Being a math person, who tends to analyze "things," I was fascinated by all of the very interesting "activities," especially the slot machines. There were so many ... thousands...all kinds...and people were playing a good number of them.

~Every once in a while I would hear loud bells or music...indicating a jackpot...of course, along with that, screams & yells from the lucky players.

~Jackpots were advertised on them, from hundreds of dollars to thousands to millions...most of the big pots were associated with the so called "progressive types"...that’s where the jackpot grows until some lucky person hits it...many of these progressive slots were tied together in a network throughout the Vegas area...especially the ones in the millions.

~All other machines have their jackpots listed on them...what you can get with one, two, or more coins....

~Some machines had 3 ways to win (multi line machines)...so, that forced the player to play 3 coins (to cover all 3 lines)...the casino likes that...the more you put in, the more profit they make...however, the payoffs are reduced significantly (i.e., getting 3 double diamonds on a single line machine would pay significantly more than getting them on any one of the 3 lines on a 3 line machine).

~Lately, 1, 2, 5, & 10 cent machines have become very popular...however, the number of lines (ways to win) have increased to as many as 100 (in some cases) ...so, to cover all the lines on a penny machine (assume 100 lines), you’ll have to play 100 credits (number of coins) that's $1 a pull. It's not necessary to play all the lines, but you'll be a very "unhappy camper" if the jackpot came out on one of the lines you didn't cover.

Update: I thought I'd never see it, but there they were at the Mohegan Sun casino in Ct., 1/4 cent machines. For obvious reasons, these machines had a good number of lines to cover. For those with a limited bankroll, they can be a lot of fun to play while not inserting too much money (assuming you cover all the lines with 1 coin for each). Will mention these later in this article.

~To hit the top progressive jackpot you'll have to play maximum coins per line. For example, if a nickel progressive machine has 20 lines, you can play 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 coins per line. To get the top jackpot, you must play 5 coins per line...that's 100 credits ($5) a pull. Just recently one lucky player in Atlantic City hit one of these for millions of dollars...a very rare occurrence.

~Be very careful when playing a ONE line machine, make sure you look at the payouts on the machine playing one, two, or three coins. There are many ONE line machines where the jackpot depends on playing at least 2, sometimes 3. When I first started playing, I fell prey to this & got nothing with one coin on a "sizzling seven" machine when 3 "sizzling sevens" came up (top jackpot). After looking at the payouts on the machines, I noticed that 2 coins needed to be played. That never happened again. So, pay attention to the payouts on the machine before you play it....

~Also, lately, coins are no longer used...all the noises they make coming out has been silenced by tickets. (stating the amount won)...these tickets can then be entered in other machines & credits are then recorded...very convenient, but increases the chances that you gamble more money, since it‘s a much faster process compare to the old coin redemption process...also, the hopper (the compartment inside the machine where the coins are stored) doesn‘t have to be filled continuously & there are no inconvenient coin jams (that reduces the players gaming time)...the casino likes that also....

~Of course, you can take your ticket to an automatic redemption machine or a cashier to get the cash...

~Unfortunately, this has resulted in laying off many casino workers (not as many are needed)...getting help on your machine may take quite a bit of time.  One time, it took me a good half hour searching the casino floor for a slot attendant...

~Since I was new to this, I asked a lot of questions & read different articles on the best way to play them....most all gave the advice to play maximum coins...so the player gets the biggest possible return...well, I wondered whether this really was the best way to play them.

~After 26 years of research & thousands of dollars invested, I really question that advice. A little later in this discussion I'll give you what I think is the best approach.

~My first question was, "how do they work?".

~Well, without getting too technical, slot machines have a random access generating chip inside which is supposed to generate an enormous number of possible outcomes in a fraction of a second.  As soon as you hit the spin button or pull the "arm," the outcome is determined.  A nanosecond difference would, most likely, give a different outcome. Slot technicians tell me that the random number generator is always operating, even when the machine is not being played.  All that follows is just for show...the noise, the wheels, etc.

~So, getting a big hit on a machine depends primarily on two factors, picking a "good machine" and the timing of the random chip generator. Saying it another way, "being at the right machine at the right time." So, you could get nothing, if you are at the right machine at the wrong time or you could get a jackpot, if you are on a "bad" or "tight" machine at the instant it gives a "big one".

~The manufacturer of the machine has preprogrammed the chip to pay off such as to give the casino a profit in the long run...remember, all machines will make money for the casino, in the long run.

~However, in the short term, anything can happen. That’s what interests me. When looking around on the casino floor, I do see a hand-full of machines given substantial jackpots. In late April 2014), two men in their 30's hit a penny machine at Foxwoods for $298,000. Obviously, it was a progressive type. It only took $2.00 a pull to play the maximum number of coins on all the lines. I was playing a 25 cent machine just about 30 feet away. Certainly, a rare occurrence.
 
~Do all machines have chips that are programmed basically for the same rate of payoff?

~Definitely not. That’s what players call "good machines" or "loose machines" vs. "bad machines" or "tight machines."

~How can you tell which are "loose" and which are "tight"?...experience & observation is the answer. Keep your eyes wide open when on the slot floor...when you see machines that pay (you might not be on them, unfortunately), try to remember that machine.  Then, when it is available, go for it.

~A while ago, I noticed a jackpot on one machine (someone else was playing it, unfortunately). However, I made sure that I remembered it & its location. The next time I was at the casino I made sure that I would try it. Well, I did & got a jackpot. A few weeks later, at the same casino, I wanted to play it again, but it was occupied. I kept on going back to see if it was available...still occupied...after returning to that area for the 4th time, there it was, flashing another jackpot for some lucky person.

~I call these my favorites & have many in different casinos. These are the ones I go to &, in many cases, give me good hits, if not jackpots.

~Be aware that the casino will move them around...they know where they are & usually will substitute a very similar machine for it & move the good one to a different location on the casino floor.

~Is there any way to keep track of a good machine? Yes, record the number of the machine on a piece of paper & check it before playing it. ( if the number is different, you know this is not the "loose" one)...so, go searching for it. The number is usually found on the side of the machine. This takes a little effort on your part & most patrons will not want to take the extra effort trying to track down a machine.

~I have. Unfortunately, I have discovered that my "good machine" has vanished. The casino simply removed it from the floor & replaced it with a newer machine. Just maybe it was paying off too much...probably.

~Note: A common misconception:  Staying on a machine & keep pumping your money into it since you feel that "it’s due to hit." Well, in my experiences, a "cold machine" usually stays cold & a "hot machine" will stay hot for a good amount of time...so, don’t fall into that trap. Get off a "cold machine" as quickly as you can.

~Many years ago, I was playing a $1 machine & one of my coins jammed. The attendant had to open the machine to "undo" the jam. I kept my eyes open & noticed that the hopper was overflowing with coins. I thought, gee, this machine is ready to empty out...Well, after approx. $200 worth of coins more, nothing...it was cold & stayed cold....

~Another misconception: Machines cannot be "tinkered with" by the casino...i.e., do something to make them "colder" or "hotter."  Well, while in Vegas, I entered a slot competition at one of my favorite casinos. A group of machines are banked (grouped) in an area & the competitors play them for a set amount of time (free of charge)...just credits, no coins, & the one with the greatest number of credits at the end of the time limit wins the prize. Well, I came in second...got nothing!

~What I noticed when playing was that jackpots were coming up very quickly. In other words, the casino did something to these machines to "loosen them." Also, these machines were similar to the ones (if not the same ones) that I usually play when there is no slot competition (scattered about the floor). So, I then realized that, yes, they can manipulate the machines (illegal). The gaming commission is supposed to check the machines from time to time to see if the players are not "ripped-off," however, this is virtually impossible to do considering the number of slots.

~On average, most casinos have approximately 2,000 to 5,000 on one casino floor. Other casinos have several different casino floors scattered about (i.e., Foxwoods, CT & Mohegan Sun, CT), so the number of slot machines available would be well over 5,000. As of 2020, Foxwoods has 5 different casino floors & Mohegan Sun has 4.

~Casino sizes can be based on the amount of gaming space (Foxwoods would be one of the largest in the world) or the amout of space available for all types of activities (hotel rooms, convention rooms, amusement areas, etc.). In that case, some of the newer casinos in Las Vegas would top the list. In the northeast, Harrah's (Atlantic city) has one huge casino floor, while Foxwoods has a minimum of 5 (and expanding). Bally's (Atlantic City) has 2, while Mohegan Sun (CT) has 4 (three very large & one much smaller). These casinos are expanding constantly & more gaming space is being added as I write this article. My numbers for Atlantic City may be off a bit since I've not visited AC in quite a while.

~As a math person, I realized that the odds of making money on slots are very much against you....so, minimizing your losses & still having fun is the way to go...

~So, here is the best way to play slots...in my opinion...based on 26 years of experience & research (trying different approaches with all kinds of machines)...

~Note: you will definitely lose money in the long run, so money management & some discipline needs to be applied ...however, this takes away from the "fun & excitement" for many players...most slot players don’t want to think about those "things," they just want to insert their $$$ & hope for a "nice big hit"...

~First of all, decide how much money you will bring with you to play. Bring cash...stay away from ATM machines...they can lead to disaster for many a player...especially those who tend to be slightly manic at times...

~Ask yourself one question, "can I lose this amount & not affect my lifestyle or debt one iota?". If the answer is yes, go head, have fun...If the answer is no, stay home, payoff some of your outstanding debt with the cash...this will improve your lifestyle & peace of mind, in the long run.

~Another interesting observation over the years was that many people would "throw away" tons of money in a casino, then clip coupons (save ridiculously small amounts of money) shopping...the old expression, " pound foolish & penny wise," applies here...I must say, I did fall into that early in my casino experience.

~Some rationalize & say, "well, that’s the cost of
entertainment"...however, money is money anywhere you go, a $700 loss in a casino, is $700 not available to pay your rent next month...so, value your hard earned money & realize what goods & services it can buy in your daily life...just maybe, this will help in your discipline & money management while at a casino.

~The next step...decide how you want to play. Some folks, who are independently wealthy, might want to play very aggressively, while others of lesser means, might want to play a bit more conservatively...for the people who have "money to burn", it's easy, just play the higher denomination machines ($1, $5, or higher and play maximum coins)...losing a significant amount of money is of no consequence to them...

~However, most of us are not of that category...unfortunately...(laugh)

~I discovered that jackpots usually come after a few smaller hits...(maybe 80% of the time)...of course, there are exceptions...I have had them come on the first pull or on fewer then 5 pulls...(20% of the time)...One time, I got the jackpot on the very last pull with just one coin remaining to play...so, it happens!

~So, the machine will, in many cases, signal you that a possible jackpot is coming...how does this happen? & how can you minimize the amount to play to take advantage of it?

~This is how I do it.

~I start off very conservatively. Playing 1 or 2 quarters on a 3 coin machine or playing one coin on a dollar machine...I avoid the high denominations completely, unless I have extra money to burn...I limit my self to $10 per machine or $20 per machine, if I have a larger bankroll...

~Let’s take the $10 system. Again, I'll remind you to check the payout on the machine before you play to make sure you can get the jackpot with 1 or 2 coins in. If not, play the minimum number that will give it to you.

~On a quarter machine, that gives 40 credits. I start with 2 coins at a time & continue. One of two things will happen. (1) I get no hits. When I reach 10 credits, I play one at a time until I’m out. (2) I get some hits. When my credits are above 43, I play 3 until I’m back to 40 again. If my credits are a good amount over 80, I set my cash-out limit at 80 and leave. Of course, if I get a significant hit, say over 160, I would set my cash out limit a little higher...but, would never leave that machine a loser...that’s important...

~This procedure is an automatic check to see if the machine is a hot one or a cold one. You limit your losses, if it’s cold & you give yourself a chance for a "big one," if it’s hot.

~On a dollar machine, I do the same thing. However, tend to play 2 coins when my credits are between 20 & 40 and 3 coins over 40...also, my cash out limits are lowered a bit...

~Some people make the mistake by cashing out too soon...machines have no memories of the past & could pay big, even after it has already...that has happen to me many times...remember, it’s in the long run that the machine makes money for the casino, not the short term.

~It’s not unusual to get back-to-back jackpots on the same machine. It’s happen to me on quite a few occasions. So, it’s important to play for a short time after a big hit...it could happen to you...but, be careful, don’t give too much back...leave the machine with a significant profit...

~Note: I also use the reverse technique (i.e., starting with maximum coins & reducing the number of coins played, if my credits fall below a certain level).

~So folks, that’s how I play. Some will disagree with my methods, but these procedures are based on my personal experiences, so, I feel comfortable with them & know what works for me.

~If you don’t want to think much & play relaxed, just set your limit per machine (say $10 or $20, no more), & play on until the machine takes it or cash out with a reasonable profit (that decision would be up to you)...then move to another machine.

~Playing slow & taking breaks to eat & enjoy shows also helps...remember, the casino wants you to spend as much time on playing as possible...the more time you spend playing the more money they make...

~Table games such as blackjack, craps, & baccarat give much better odds for winning, but I find very boring. Also, you must bet a significant amount to win a significant amount, which I refuse to do...
(see my link on Casino Games)

~Regular table poker is the best, if you are skilled at the game & are able to read people. This is the only game where you could possibly make a living...many do, since you are playing against other people not the casino...

~At all costs, stay away from Keno, the very worst game on the floor. The odds here are terrible....that’s why many casinos give vouchers for free games at Keno to those who come by bus....stay away.

~Note: Uncle Sam has his hands in your pocket, as usual. Any jackpot over $1,200 must be reported to the IRS...believe me, they do check...how do I know?...well, during the process of reporting one of my jackpots over $1,200, I accidentally copied one digit wrong that identifies the casino. Well, my whole return was rejected & they stated that the ID number of the casino did not exist...so, they check them all.

~The year (2013) was a good one, 7 jackpots reported to the IRS. Don't let the casino take taxes out for you, do it yourself. When you itemize your deductions, you can claim all your losses against your winnings. Chances are, you'll have more losses, but only can claim up to your reported winnings.

~In rare cases where your winnings far exceed your losses, you may consider withholding taxes or, if not, you will have to pay estimated taxes to the IRS. If not, you'll have to pay penalties & most likely be required to pay estimated taxes for future years. I just met a very nice person on my most recent trip who fell into that trap.

~Note: Just to remind my readers that these recommendations about slots are based on my own personal history at casinos. Someone else might have a different point of view, which would be well respected in any case. My luckiest casino was Foxwoods in the CT woods... most of my numerous jackpots were there, but in 2008, I was lucky enough to hit $12,000 at Mohengan Sun Casino (that was an extremely rare occurrence). That topped my biggest one ($6,240 at Foxwoods). 

 Atlantic City casinos are not bad & seem to be losing visitors during these hard times. Ballys seems to be the best for slots. Vegas casinos are not all that they are made out to be. After spending about 1 year playing there (I think I played in every casino in Vegas), they are not as generous as one might think(not one jackpot in a year of playing). 

The best casinos for slots are "off the strip". The casinos located on Las Vegas Blvd. ("strip") are very tight & most "locals" (residents of Vegas) do not play them. Many "off the strip" casinos have machines which are much more generous, you just have to drive or take suttle buses to get to them. Of course, a person who goes there for a few days or a short period & hits $100,000 in a "stip casino", will think differently...(laugh)...so would I...The very worst casino for slots is a casino very close to Foxwoods, called Mohegan Sun. It’s unfortunate, since it’s, by far, one of the most beautiful casinos...however, the slots are what I’m interested in (however, I did hit my biggest jackpot there...just a very rare occurrence). Mohegan Sun invests most of their profits back into their casino...that's why it's so nice!, but their slots "stink".

~Many newer casinos have computer slots. There are no spinning wheels...just a computer screen with the images of the spinning symbols...generally speaking, I stay away from those, since, from my experiences, they are extremely tight. However, they do hit big as noted early on that penny progressive. I've also had jackpots on them, but not as many as the conventional slots. It appears that these older conventional slots are dissapearing & being replaced by newer computer slots.

~Also, stay away from all forms of on-line slot play. I tried it once & went through my money limit quicker than you can blink an eye...However, playing for free is fun...like on the website, pogo.com.

~A word of caution: Looking back at the times when I suffered my biggest losses, I noticed that approximately 80% had one feature in common. I was usually down early in my play & was eager to win back what I had lost. So, I started playing more aggressive (inserting a higher amount into the machine & playing maximum coins)(also playing higher denomination machines). Well, for the most part, it didn't work. My losses simply got greater. Occasionally, I find myself falling into this scenario. The best way to handle this situation is to stop playing when your loss limit is reached & wait for another day.

~Final note: I try to be positive whenever I undertake any type of activity, however, I realize that casinos are in business to make money, so, be prepared to lose the money you allocate to this activity. Hopefully, with good money management, you can minimize your losses & have some fun & excitement at the same time.

~Hope you enjoyed my little discussion on slots & for those who wish to partake, have fun & may the "biggies" come your way...

~UPDATE: The old saying that the casino will take every cent in your pocket no longer holds. During my most recent trip, I spotted a slot machine with a denomination of 1/4 cent. I had to take a 2nd & 3rd look to believe it! Of course, there are multiple lines & playing the max per line could add up to a significant amt per pull. I found it at Mohegan Sun in Ct. A friend of mine hit a $12,000 jackpot on a penny machine at the Empire State Casino in Yonkers, NY. It was a progressive machine & she played maximum coins (to cover all lines, it took $3 a pull). She just happen to be at the right machine at the right time. Most very low denomination slots I have played have resulted in losing my money very quickly. However, if you want to pass time & have a little fun, play only 1 coin per line not max coins per line. That way, your money will last longer. Of course, if your credits get high, you may want to up the number of coins per line you play. Usually, a jackpot or large hit will require you to play max coins, so, you will most likely sacrifice that thrill.  

Also, with the downturn in our economy, the casinos are not as generous as in the past. I find my trips are becoming less frequent, since, the "one-armed-bandits" are truly living up their name.

~In conclusion: Casino gambling is an extremely expensive hobby. It can lead to financial disaster for many folks. Be very careful, especially if you have an "addictive type" of personality & lack adequate self-discipline. It could be very easy to become a "slot junkie." (I've seen many) These folks will "dump" every cent in their pocket just for "one more pull." They are "slot addicts." So, my advice is to stay away from all forms of casino gambling, unless you have "money to burn" and losing a significant amount has absolutely no affect on your lifestyle. Otherwise, find excitement in other less expensive areas.