slots world
Welcome to 'Slots World' on the Jackpot Party blog! Dive into the exhilarating realm of slot machines with us. Discover the thrill of the spin, unravel the mystery of jackpots, and get closer to that life-changing win. Your journey into the captivating world of slots starts here!
Slots Odyssey: Unveiling Slot Machine History
Walk into almost any casino and you’ll quickly notice that slot machines are the most popular gambling options on the property. Many major casinos offer thousands of these high-tech computerized games for players to choose from. This wasn’t always the case, and slots are a fairly recent phenomenon when it comes to the history of casino games. Some games, such as roulette and blackjack, trace their roots back centuries. However slot machines were created in the United States less than 200 years ago. Keep reading to learn the complete history of slot machines. 1 – Forerunners to Slot Machines A uniquely American invention, one slot machine forerunner came out of Brooklyn, New York. A firm named Sittman and Pitt of Brooklyn patented a gambling machine in 1891 that featured five drums showing 50 playing card faces. This machine was based on poker and gained a degree of popularity with bars around the Big Apple hosting the games. Players dropped a nickel in the machines and pulled a lever. Like a traditional slot machine, the reels and the player hoped for a nice poker hand. However, unlike modern slots, there was no direct payout from the machine itself. Winning players might earn a free beer for a big pair and higher hands might even pay out more, such as a box of cigars for a royal flush. However, what a player could win was completely up to the bar that hosted the game. Even during those times, there was always a house edge because there were only 50 cards. The 10♠ and J♥ were removed, making it more difficult to make bigger hands. The poker-based play and results proved to be the downfall of the Sittman and Pitt machine. Because of so many possible winning combinations, there was no feasible way to make a machine that featured automatic payouts. As a result, players often had to rely on bartenders or establishment owners to distribute their winnings manually, which led to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in payouts. The sheer popularity of coin-based entertainment also proved to be popular during this time. Vending machines dispensing holy water, invented by mathematician and engineer Hero of Alexandria, dated back to 1 A.D. in Roman Egypt. A person visiting a temple could insert a coin and the machine would dispense a certain amount of the purifying liquid, making sure that the water would last longer for more Romans. By the 17th Century, vending machines were found throughout the UK. These machines offered players a chance to win tobacco and snuff. The popularity of vending machines would continue in the coming years, eventually offering cigarettes, sodas, snacks, and other items for sale after dropping some coins (and eventually paper currency) into a machine. In the 1890s and 1900s, penny arcades became popular entertainment options as well. As the name implies, players could see short movie-like clips, have their fortune read, play non-electrical pinball, and other options. They also eventually included early slot machines, which were often referred to as fruit machines at the time. Penny arcades enjoyed tremendous success and popped up in nearly every town, small and large, across the United States,” AmericanAntiquities.com notes. “The most successful and profitable game was the fruit machine, or as we call it today, the one-armed bandit, which at one time or another was once banned almost everywhere. As penny arcades became more popular, slot machines quickly joined the coin-operated entertainment. Decades later, they are still extremely popular. 2 – The First Slot Machines Eventually, someone would work to perfect a machine that featured coin play, spinning reels with symbols, and automatic payouts. In 1887, San Francisco’s Charles Fey became the man to make all that happen. The German immigrant created the Liberty Bell, the first real slot machine, which he mass-produced and featured three vertical reels. The term “slot machine” also came into the lexicon because of his invention. Players inserted a nickel into a “slot” on the machine to initiate the reels. Just 29 years old, the mechanic built a machine that would eventually dominate the gaming industry. Liberty Bells were the first machines to offer automatic payouts, rewarding winners with a nice jackpot in nickels. Certain combinations could also reward players with free cigars or drinks. This was a bit of a precursor to today’s “comp” system found in most casinos. Those original machines featured three reels and symbols: fruit bells playing card symbols horseshoes stars Many of these symbols can still be seen on today’s slots as well, more than a century later. Fey manufactured the games in his machine shop and installed the games in bars, saloons, and gambling halls around San Francisco. He reached 50/50 revenue-splitting deals with the property owners. Those early games included some masterful engineering and craftsmanship and would eventually go on to revolutionize the gaming industry. They also became extremely popular and could be found all across the city. State officials began to take notice, apparently, and led to some changes in gaming laws. Little could slow down San Francisco’s growing slot industry, not even the catastrophic 1906 earthquake until a 1909 law made slots unambiguously illegal,” author David Schwartz notes in his book Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling. “By then, city authorities had gotten nearly $200,000 each year in taxes on the city’s 3,200 slots. Despite that, slots continued to flourish in a “gray area” with the fruit on the machines representing gum flavors. However, winners could still receive cash payouts. A bit of “creativity” could also help, as the country still retained a bit of the “wild west” mentality. A friendly payoff to the local police or judge almost always guaranteed that the slot rite operator could place machines in public places with little fear of official interference,” Schwartz adds. “Cheating, theft, and hijacking by criminal gangs were the biggest obstacles operators faced. Mechanical improvements eventually made cheating and theft less of a concern, and many operators began providing a cut of the profits as “protection” to avoid potential hijackings. Despite the popularity of his machines, however, Fey still had limited production capabilities in his machine shop and couldn’t meet demand. Despite his slots’ success, he couldn’t expand beyond California. That’s where Chicago’s Stephen Harper Mills stepped in. In 1907 his Mills Novelty Company began manufacturing his machines. These games featured additional fruit symbols and also featured black bar icons that are even still seen today. These “Bell-Fruit-Gum machines” initially awarded winners with chewing gum as a way to get around restrictions on some of the recent bans on gambling. However, savvy bar owners would often simply pay winners in cash. Those gum payouts are believed to be a unique part of slot machine history. Many experts believe the symbol was originally a piece of chewing gum from the Mills Novelty Company. But when those gum payouts went away, the logo was changed into the bar logo still seen on some modern slots. Slot machines continued to flourish up to 1910 and Mills helped locate them in locations around the country. However, the burgeoning industry faced some headwinds. Government officials sought to regulate and in some cases outright ban, slot machines and other forms of casino gaming as well. Despite those efforts, gamblers continued to embrace slots – whether legal or not. 3 – Expansion and Growth By the 1950s, Nevada was the only state in the U.S. offering legal casino gaming. A slot player might have to travel to Las Vegas to play some of their favorite games. These years saw considerable growth in the city, which had only 44,600 residents but more than eight million visitors each year. In 1954, the city saw gamblers dropping $200 million into Sin City casinos. In the 1950s, gamblers could head to properties like the Silver Slipper, the Desert Inn, Binion’s Horseshoe, the Sands, Golden Nugget, the Showboat, Riviera, and others. Slot machines became a bigger and bigger part of the Vegas casino business and this period also saw some major advancement in the games. Some of those that came in the 1950s and ‘60s included: multi-game payouts four-reel machines Multiple paylines electromechanical games The early multi-game payout machines were a bit different than what slot players see today. In essence, three games were attached. A gambler would insert a coin in each machine and be capable of winning on each machine individually or when three bars showed up on the paylines in any of the three machines. Because of their size, the slots were often referred to as “monsters” or ”Frankensteins” and ultimately weren’t very popular. These games eventually faded away, but at least served as a precursor to other multi-payout games that would come on the market later and prove to be much more popular with players. Adding more reels and paylines offered casino goers more entertainment value and more ways to win. Mechanical reels were also being replaced by electromechanical games. Bally Manufacturing started the trend in 1963 with the first fully electromechanical slot machine. That original game was called Money Honey and brought about a major transformation in slot production. Like Henry Ford’s Model T, this three-reel electromechanical slot machine broke new ground, forever changing the landscape of the gaming industry,” the company notes on its website. “The two innovations that the game brought to the casino industry were its reliable electronically controlled construction and the incorporation of a ‘bottomless’ motor-driven payout hopper capable of automatic payouts of up to 500 coins without the use of an attendant. For the next 12 years, Money Honey in its many variations would become the flagship game of Bally Manufacturing’s slot machine division. Honey Money became such a hit that other slot machine manufacturers began debuting their electronic games. This also meant that the lever traditionally used to spin mechanical reels became more of a symbolic device than a real part of setting those reels in motion. But the electromagnetic reels sped up the action, added excitement, and also created a more random game. Multiple coin games were also introduced and grew in popularity throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s. Players could score even bigger wins (and potentially losses) by wagering more coins. Progressive jackpots were also added during this period and both of these features remain key parts of slot machines still today. Choose and have a blast with our captivating slots featured below: Click here to explore all of our free slots. 4 – Growing Popularity in the 21st Century As manufacturers continued to innovate, slots became even more popular – eventually leading to the high-tech games players find today. The first video slot hit the market in 1963 with the debut of a game called Automatic Blackjack. While that game wasn’t technically a slot, the technology was also included in slot machines as well. The games weren’t particularly popular but the video poker version attracted plenty of attention in the ‘70s and ‘80s. That would help lead to more video slots in the coming year and they eventually gained a foothold and took up more and more casino space. The first progressive jackpot slot also debuted in Nevada. IGT’s wide-area progressives combined the instant gratification of slots with the life-changing jackpots of lotteries – a heady combination unimaginable when the first slots were crafted,” Schwartz writed in Roll the Bones. By the 1990s video slots were taking over more of the industry and the first multi-screen game was in 1996. Players began seeing the use of more technology that Charles Fey probably could have never imagined. More games featured higher-quality video, sound systems, touch screens, card readers to track player reward card points, and more. Random number generators were also introduced to make sure each spin of the reels was guaranteed a completely random event. The 2000s saw coin-operated machines fade away as machines began allowing players to easily insert paper currency instead. Machines could also pay out in casino vouchers instead of slot tokens, which could also be used to insert into other machines. The multimedia aspects of slots ramped up beginning in the 2000s. High-definition screens and sound became more prevalent as did various screen sizes and types. Slot developers began experimenting with skill-based games as well to try and appeal to younger players more used to playing video games than slots. More themes began being used as well to appeal to a wide range of players – from pop culture to mythology to narrative stories and more. The last few decades were a real period of growth for the industry and slot machines became by far the most popular form of casino gaming. 5 – The Rise of Online Slots With the growth of the Internet in the 1990s, some companies envisioned players being able to play slots and other casino games right from their computers. InterCasino became the first online casino when it launched in 1994. More quickly followed, allowing players around the world to play slots without heading to a brick-and-mortar casino. These games certainly didn’t have all the bells and whistles seen in today’s games. They featured basic design and gameplay, but showed the possibilities of playing online. The games began to grow in features and possibilities in the coming years. When mobile gaming grew in popularity throughout the 2010s, more operators began ramping up online slot offerings for players to check out. Users could play for real money right on their mobile phones or tablet devices. Social gaming sites offering slot play for free, such as Jackpot Party, also became much more popular. Players can check out some entertaining slots right on their phones without spending a dime of their own money. Some enjoy playing these games more than actually visiting a real casino and playing for real money. 6 – Conclusion As technology continues to advance, slot manufacturers continue advancing their games as well. Slots have come a long way from those early games of Charles Fey and Mills Novelty Company. Players now find modern technological games with seemingly something for every interest and bankroll. The entire industry reached a total value of $8.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to climb to $20.1 billion by 2028, according to a report by Branded Essence Research. There seems to be no slowing the popularity of slot machines, both in a live casino and online. Players simply love those spinning reels, lights, sound, and the chance to win some big bucks.
7 Crazy Slot Machine Controversies
Most players heading to a casino are just looking for a few hours of fun. Perhaps a win will come their way, perhaps not. Some time at a favorite slot machine can be a nice way to relax, spend some time with friends, and get away from the daily grind. Occasionally some slot play may also come with some controversy, from a missed jackpot to some creative cheating to slot machines in video games that just might appeal to kids. When money and possible winnings are involved, it’s not unlikely that some interesting scenarios and crazy situations may develop when spinning some slot machine reels. Keep reading to learn more about some of the gambling world’s crazy slot machine controversies. 1 – Master Manipulator Many slot players dream of finding a nice stroke of luck and seeing a sizable jackpot show up on their favorite game. Tommy Glenn Carmichael skipped the luck part of that equation and found other ways to make that happen – he cheated. Carmichael not only stole from casino slot machines for two decades through the ‘80s and ‘90s but also invented some of the devices that other cheats would go on to utilize for years. These could be used to trick a machine into paying out slot tokens. His “monkey's paw” featured a wire inserted through the machine's payout chute. This would trip the game’s microswitch and trigger a jackpot. Later, Carmichael moved on to a “light wand,” which could “blind” the machine's sensor and produce a winning “spin.” Carmichael was collecting thousands of dollars a day, but his luck ran out in 2001. The FBI arrested Carmichael and he later served almost a year in prison, received three years probation, and was also banned from entering a casino. Even after serving time in prison and despite advances in slot technology, Carmichael was confident about his skills at ripping off casinos. He told the Los Angeles Times in 2003: “Give me a slot machine and I’ll beat it.” 2 – Tough Time for a Slot YouTuber When not playing slot machines themselves, apparently many gamblers simply enjoy watching others play. Showing some slot play, and hopefully, some winnings in the process has become quite a cottage industry for some. A quick search on YouTube will yield numerous videos of casino players testing their luck. None of those are bigger than Brian Christopher. Among his social media channels, the slot sensation has more than one million followers and his slot video generates hundreds of thousands of views. The channel has become his full-time job involving working 10-12 hours a day and employing a small team to help produce his channel. The enterprise looked to be in jeopardy just a few years ago. In June of 2018, however, he received a series of emails outlining how his channel violated the site’s terms of service. According to Forbes, one email even said his channel violated rules for featuring “violent or dangerous acts that have an inherent risk of serious physical harm or death.” His account was ultimately suspended and hundreds of videos were seemingly gone. His platform – and his means of earning a living – disappeared overnight. Just two years into the venture, it suddenly looked like it might be “show over” for the Brian Christopher Slots channel. Other slot channels reported similar suspensions. “It was like a stab in the back,” Christopher told Forbes. “I devoted my entire life to YouTube. I gave them 1,100 videos and made them a lot of money. For them to turn around and shut me down with zero explanation hurts.” Christopher appealed the ruling but quickly received a denial. Despite that, his channels returned shortly afterward. YouTube contacted him and noted that after a review, company officials determined the content didn’t violate company guidelines. Other slot platforms also returned as well. This may not have been like hitting a seven-figure jackpot, but had to be quite a sigh of relief. Christopher’s platform has only grown since then and he now even has a deal for his slot section at The Plaza in Las Vegas, where fans check out some of his favorite games. 3 – Slot Jackpot Goes Missing in Action No one likes when the rug gets pulled out from under them – or a jackpot. But the case of slot machine errors accidentally triggering jackpots is nothing new. These scenarios seem to make headlines every few years, leaving these would-be jackpot winners a bit miffed and thinking “If only …” That was the case in 2016 for Katrina Bookman of Queens, New York. The single mother of four seemed to have hit the jackpot of a lifetime at the Resorts World Casino in New York City. The machine showed Bookman winning an astronomical amount, noting on the screen: “Printing cash ticket. $42,949,672.76.” This would have been a record-setting jackpot if only the unfortunate slot player had been able to cash in. That, however, didn’t happen. Casino officials informed Bookman the following day that the message was the result of a game malfunction. That assertion was confirmed by the New York State Gaming Commission, noting that the Sphinx Wild machine she’d been playing only had a maximum payout of $6,500. Adding insult to injury, the commission also ruled Bookman really should have won only $2.25. Instead of an eight-figure payday, the property awarded Bookman the two bucks and offered her a steak dinner. Bookman wasn't in the mood for a nice filet mignon. “You offer me a steak dinner?” Bookman told the New York Daily News. “I feel like they did me real dirty.” 4 – An Inside Job Sometimes the lure of seeing those winnings hit a slot machine bank proves to be just too alluring even for those meant to ensure a fair game. This presents a bit of a black eye for gaming regulators, but that was the case for Ron Harris in the 1990s. As a software engineer for the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Harris designed programs to help prevent cheating. But the promise of riches must have proven too much for the gaming official and he eventually hatched a plan to score some jackpots of his own. “Harris surreptitiously coded a hidden software switch – tripped by inserting coins in a predetermined sequence – that would trigger cash jackpots,” CNN noted. “After retooling more than 30 machines, Harris and accomplices made the rounds, walking away with hundreds of thousands of dollars.” The setup must have seemed like a foolproof plan. Varying people cashed in on the slots at different times. Harris wasn’t even present when the wins played out. But apparently, he might not have chosen the best cohorts for his plans. After being arrested for rigging a keno game in Atlantic City, one of his partners squealed and in 1998 Harris received seven years in prison. This deep-inside job may have paid off in the short term but ultimately sent this slot programmer to the slammer for quite a while. This situation is anything but a jackpot. Handpick and experience our incredible slots below: Click here to explore all of our free slots. 5 – Video Game Gambling There’s been quite a debate in recent years about the ethics of slot machines being featured in video games that might be played by minors. Most believe gambling should be relegated to adults, but some argue that games may be geared toward an older audience but still feature gaming. Some of these players may still be minors and that can present a problem. The game Fallout 76 sparked controversy after its release in 2018 for these types of concerns. The game features a post-apocalyptic world where they must survive in the ruins of West Virginia. However, one aspect of the game drew plenty of criticism. “One of the game’s features is a set of slot machines located in various locations, where players can spend in-game currency to try their luck and win various prizes,” hymotion.com notes. “However, this seemingly innocuous feature has sparked outrage among players and gambling addiction experts alike, leading to calls for its removal and warnings about the danger of introducing gambling mechanics into video games.” Since the currency within the game could also be purchased for real money, some argued that these were functioning more like real slots with minors able to legally gamble on the video game. The debate may be a lesson learned for many in the video game industry – and marketing of gambling toward minors probably isn’t a good idea. 6 – Slot Theme Second Thoughts Most players are accustomed to seeing icons as part of the slot machine, from rock bands and TV shows to cartoons and movies. Modern slots try to reach players through all sorts of themes and elements including history, mythology, culture, and much more. Pop culture has become an even bigger part of those efforts in recent years. But two decades ago, these efforts quite viewed how they are today – a bit of nostalgia geared toward adults who may remember some of these songs and TV shows. As slot manufacturers began moving in this direction in the 1990s, however, not everyone was on board with the direction these gaming companies were going. Senator John McCain, head of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology, said in 1999 that the committee would investigate the issue. He also asked the Federal Trade Commission to assist in investigating the issue. “Gambling industry executives say the new machines are intended to appeal not to children but to nostalgic adults,” the New York Times reported. “And in any case, they add, children are not allowed to use slot machines. But in Nevada, slot machines are allowed at airports, supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants, and critics say that children can be exposed to them there, as well as when they walk through casinos with adults. In addition, a Supreme Court decision earlier this year lifted a ban against gambling advertisements on television.” Critics argued that using images that might appeal to children was similar to the cigarette industry’s Joe Camel. The Nevada Gaming Control Board even created regulations to bar slot themes based on material “'primarily”' meant for children. The board even rejected slots based on the South Park cartoon series and Spider-Man. With some limits in place, the slot industry now appears to have threaded the needle – offering nostalgic and pop culture games while working to prevent children from gaming. Slot players can find a theme and game for just about every taste and interest. 7 – Lottery or Slot Machine? The Iowa Lottery ruffled some players in 2006 by placing thousands of “Touchplay” machines all across the state. The machines featured a touchscreen that made them appear like slot machines and were located in gas stations, restaurants, and bars. Many critics argued that the machines were too similar to slot machines and the numbers of them around the state made it look like Iowa had seen a great expansion of gaming. “A furor erupted in the Iowa Legislature’s 2006 session after the Iowa Lottery installed 6,700 TouchPlay machines in convenience stores, restaurants, taverns, and other outlets statewide,” the Des Moines Register noted. “Many Iowans bitterly complained they couldn’t buy a loaf of bread or a gallon of gasoline without being exposed to casino-style gambling, and legislators responded by yanking every machine throughout the state in an unprecedented move.” The issue no doubt cost the lottery quite a bit in cash and reputation. Some have argued that the incident even kept the agency from looking into alternative technological sales techniques for years to come.
30 May, 2023
Complete List of the Types of Slot Machines
Today’s slot machines have numerous types of games to choose from regardless of a player’s preferred stakes, theme, or features. There is something for everyone and slot manufacturers offer players numerous types of slots with differing gameplay and options. Knowing about these different types of slots can help a player better plan out what to play on that next trip to the casino or when playing a slot online. When playing slot machines, the goal is to make that bankroll last as long as possible and know which games make your cash last longer might be worth knowing. Also, knowing which games complement your own gaming interests and style will also make your gaming experience more entertaining. Keep reading for a complete guide to the different types of slot machines available to players. 1 – Single Coin Slot As the name implies, these machines allow players to wager only a single credit on each spin of the reels. With the casino industry now embracing video technology and the ability to play multiple credits, these types of games are obsolete. Players may find some of these games at a casino offering a vintage slot experience. Pros: Bankroll lasts longer because of limited credits per spin. Cons: Smaller payouts, fewer options. Extras: These games offer a more vintage slot machine experience. Read the full guide on the Single Coin Slot machine. 2 – Multi-coin/Multi-line These types of games have been around for about two decades and have only become more advanced in recent years. These games put slot players in control over how many paylines or stakes (coins/credits per line) they’d like to wager. The paylines you play, the more chances you have to win. Playing a higher number of coins per line also means higher payouts for wins. These are the usual types of games a player finds in modern games and the use of computer technology makes these options much more prevalent. Pros: Numerous stakes and payline options. Cons: Players may be tempted to play higher stakes, bankroll could be sapped faster. Extras: Some games have numerous paylines, meaning even one cent per line can add up. 3 – Multi-line These are older machines that were the precursors to multi-coin/multi-line slots. These games allowed players to select multiple paylines, but were limited in stakes. Players could only select one coin per line when spinning the reels. The games have since been passed over in popularity for the ability of players to select more than one coin per line. Pros: Ability to play multiple paylines but with limited stakes, bankroll can last longer. Cons: Players may want higher stakes, and smaller payouts than what multi-coin/multi-line games might offer. Extras: Multiple paylines were created as a way to offer slot players more action per spin. Read the full guide on Multi-line slot machine. 4 – Buy-a-Pays These types of machines base the number of winning combinations possible on the number of coins or credits played. For each additional credit, a player unlocks more winning possibilities. A machine’s payback percentage may be quite a bit lower because of one less coin put in the machine. Check the pay table to determine if you’re at a Buy-a-Pay game. Pros: Players choose the number of coins to play. Cons: Missed winning opportunities because not playing more coins can frustrate players. May drain bankroll faster seeking more payout options. Extras: Some bonus features may not be available if not playing the maximum number of coins. Read the full guide on Buy-a-Pays slot machine. 5 – Hidden Buy-a-Pays This is a version of the Buy-a-Pay style of machine, but these machines require players to wager the maximum number of coins to achieve some of the bonus events available in the game. This can be frustrating for some players because of the cost that can be involved with playing max coins, but this also can unlock much higher payout percentages. Pros: Higher payouts, more bonus options available. Cons: May cost more per spin and sap a player’s bankroll more quickly. Playing these games can be a more frustrating experience. Extras: Some games may offer much higher RTP (return to player) percentages when playing max coins – as high as the upper 90s and even 100%. 6 – Straight Multiplier Unlike the Buy-a-Pay machines, these games unlock all bonuses and game features with a single coin. A player can also double the payout possibilities or a second coin and triple those opportunities with a third coin. There is no major change on the paytable, a player simply risks more per spin with the opportunity to win even more when a winning combination lands on the reels. Pros: Players decide the number of coins they want to risk and can see more winnings per playing. Cons: No additional bonus opportunities for playing max coins per spin. Extras: Double Diamond machines offer a popular straight multiplier game. 7 – Bonus Multipliers These games are very similar to straight multiplier games but come with a bonus up top on the pay table for players wagering the maximum number of credits per spin. These jackpot payouts are rare, however, and the other payout levels do not see a similar bump in pay. Pros: A chance for a bonus payout, which could be considerably higher than other amounts on the paytable. Cons: Takes more coins per line to achieve just qualifying for the bonus, which can drain a bankroll more quickly. Extras: Because the bonus payout is so rare, most slot experts suggest skipping the max payout and playing at lower levels. 8 – Progressives Progressive jackpots are games in which players at least have a chance to win massive jackpots as often seen in news headlines. These machines take a small amount out of each spin of the reels and that money is placed in the jackpot prize pool. The prize pool can be drawn from games across a large area, such as entire U.S. states, making the prize pool even larger. Progressive payouts can reach into the millions of dollars, but other nice amounts can also be awarded. Pros: Huge payouts that can be life-changing are possible, but extremely rare. Cons: Players may have to play the maximum stakes and need a larger bankroll. These games also feature higher stakes as well. Extras: The largest progressive jackpot in history came at the Excalibur in Las Vegas in 2003 for $39.7 million. Delve into the world of progressive slots with our article on how to play. Discover strategies and tips for a better shot at those big jackpots. 9 – Combination Slots As the name implies, these games combine elements of other slots all in one game. It is often recommended to wager the minimum amount to unlock all bonus features. Looking at the paytable offers some insight into which features are available and whether the game skews more toward other slot types, such as Buy-a-Pay or Multipliers. Pros: Several options all in one game, sometimes the best of a few types. Cons: The same negatives from the other game types can apply in these games as well depending on what features are available from the other games. Extras: Keep your wager small if possible, but high enough to see the bonus possibilities unlocked. 10 – Wild Play Machines These are a major part of the modern repertoire of video games, offering wild symbols that can offer players a chance to win even more on the reels. The wilds are symbols that can be substituted for other symbols and help create even more winning combinations as you play. Most modern video slots feature some form of wild symbol. The addition of wild symbols by slot manufacturers has been a popular move among slot players who enjoy seeing more action. Pros: More winning opportunities and added entertainment value. Cons: Wilds don’t always mean winning spins. Players could also be tempted to wager more per spin with more wilds in the mix. Extras: Some games even feature more than one bonus and the appearance of some of these symbols can even bring about more bonus features. 11 – Video Poker While many may not realize it, video poker is grouped among slot machines but features much different gameplay. These games offer a much different experience and are based on the traditional Five Card Draw Poker with a random number generator determining how the cards are dealt. Players interact with the game and decide which cards they’d like to hold and which they like to discard and draw. There are numerous versions of Video Poker including Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and more. The games pay out more for more coins in the game, just check the paytable to determine what works best for your own bankroll. Pros: A more analytical game that tends to bring a more laid-back gaming experience. Players can get better odds with practice and learning basic strategy. Cons: There are fewer favorable games today and learning the correct strategy can be time-consuming. Extras: Unlike slots, savvy players on games with better rules and payouts can reduce the house edge significantly and sometimes even tip the edge in their favor. 12 – Multi-Game Machines These games often feature several options for players to choose from and are often found at bar tabletops and other locations where players may be relaxing and might want to drop in a few bucks on a whim. Players will often find slot games along with Video Poker, Blackjack, Keno, and other options. Pros: Laid-back gaming with several options to choose from. Simple gameplay doesn’t always mean you have to be located in the main gaming floor of the casino. Cons: Some games, such as Video Poker and Blackjack, may not include the most favorable odds. Extras: For those who enjoy a nice drink at the bar, these games can often include some free cocktails for those playing. 13 – Video Slots Video slots are more of a generic term used to describe modern slots that feature excellent graphics and features. The ”reels” on this game are found on the video screen and players will also find plenty of extras not found in classic mechanical reel games, such as bonus games, multiple paylines, and free games.. Pros: Advanced graphics and sound. Numerous features like bonus games and more. Cons: No classic mechanical gaming for those who enjoy some vintage-style play. Extras: Available in multiple stakes and themes. 14 – How to Choose a Slot Type Considering some of these options will help you determine which games might best fit your own personality – or better yet, your bankroll. Those on more limited budgets will want to make sure those bucks are stretched over a longer length of time to make for a better gaming experience. Players with larger bankrolls may not be as concerned about drought in winnings and instead may be searching for even bigger scores when some payouts do come their way. Perhaps your personality is just in favor of more action on the reels and you get bored a little when those winnings don’t always show up – even when some of the horse wins may not even be large enough to cover the cost of a spin. Some players just like seeing some wins along the way. Maybe bonus features and wild symbols are a bit more fun for you when spinning some reels. There are slot machines in the above categories for all types of players. Choose some that fit your wagering style and personality. Here’s a quick guide on games to consider. Personality type or trait Games to play Seeks more action and wins Multi-coin/Multi-line, Wild Play Machines, Video Poker, Multi-Game Machines More interested in bigger payouts Buy-a-Pays, Progressives Smaller bankroll Single Coin Slot, Combination Slots Larger bankroll Bonus Multipliers, Progressives Make a selection and indulge in our spectacular slots below: Click here to explore all of our free slots.
29 May, 2023
How Slot Jackpots Work – A Complete Guide
A major part of playing slot machines is the dream of winning a jackpot. Seeing those reels on the slot line up just right for a mega payout would be the ultimate rush for many gamblers. Maybe a new house would be in order or perhaps the vacation of a lifetime? Those are just a few of the dreams that can come with playing a slot and hoping for a jackpot. But maybe those new to the world of slot machines may not exactly know the ins and outs of how a jackpot works. Keep reading to find out everything that goes into winning a slot jackpot. 1 – What is a jackpot on a slot machine? When a player spins the reels of a slot machine, the symbols on the reels represent either a winning spin or a losing spin. While a random number generator (RNG) within the machine’s software actually determines a winning spin. Those symbols show that result. If different symbols align in certain combinations, players have an opportunity at some winnings. A player doesn’t need to know exactly how the reels aligned for a payout as the video screen will show the various paylines that worked out for a win. The slot sends that money right to your bank on the machine. In some circumstances, those payouts can go above and beyond the average winning spin. These are called jackpots and are highly sought-after by most players. These are the types of wins that most players think about when playing. Players winning millions of dollars may come to mind and that does happen on occasion. Those uber-jackpots are rare, however, but there are other levels of jackpots that you can cash in on as well. These may not be in the millions but offer some substantial prizes as well. 2 – How do you hit a jackpot on a slot? Most slot machines offer at least some kind of jackpot. Certain symbols may trigger these payouts with many games offering some sort of larger-than-normal payout. Those eye-catching payouts that make news headlines usually come on progressive slots (more on those below) that are connected to numerous other machines. However, non-progressive slots can offer jackpots as well. As noted, those can come in varying tiers such as: Mini – The smallest level of a jackpot, perhaps up to $50 or so. These are more often awarded than others listed below. Minor – This is a step up from the mini and players may expect a few hundred bucks or perhaps into the thousands. Major – Another tier up from the Minor but this could reach a few thousand dollars. It’s important to note that exact payouts on all these levels depend on the slot machine and these can vary. Mega – This is the huge payout that may see a player collecting tens of thousands of dollars. These can include a “hand pay” meaning a casino employee will come verify the win and pay the player “by hand.” Those new to playing slots may wonder exactly how a slot machine “knows” when to pay a jackpot. As noted, a slot’s payouts come completely at random. Some players mistakenly believe they can “track” when a machine is going to payout. That is false. A machine’s payout is based solely on the random number generator. A slot can pay out a huge jackpot at any moment or it may be a long time before sending out some significant dollars. A major jackpot may be sent out and then that could be followed up quickly with another nice payout shortly after. Some slots may go a while before awarding a jackpot – because all payouts are random. Most players may not know, but video poker is a form of slot game. Players decide on which cards to keep but the games are considered a slot. In January 2023, a player at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas won two jackpots within 15 minutes of each other. The wins occurred on the same machine on Friday the 13th, with a $100,250 payout at 1:09 a.m. followed by another $100,500 at 1:24 a.m. This certainly shows just how random these machines can be and the player walked away with a total score of $200,750. Everything here involving jackpots also applies to playing online slots. Most online real money online casino platforms and even social media slot operators offer players the chance to win some jackpots. That includes Jackpot Party, where players have numerous slots to choose from. Many online operators offer even more slot options than players might find in a live casino. Players can win a jackpot right from their computers, cell phones, or tablet devices. For those aiming to win big, our slot machine tips guide is a treasure trove of winning strategies 3 – How often do slots pay out a jackpot? Players have no way of knowing exactly when a jackpot will head their way. Higher-limit slots tend to pay more money back to players than some of those at lower limits. Since you now know that the RNG determines payouts, you know that seeing those bells and whistles signifying a jackpot can come at any time. However, there are some times when players have a better shot at jackpots and some big payouts than others. Here’s a look at a few of those opportunities as well as some key symbols that can go hand in hand with major payouts. Bonus Games – These are extra games that can be triggered when certain symbols make an appearance on the reels. These can be seen on different screens and may offer a different type of gameplay than the base game players have been playing. These can often include some interactivity where a player has to make a decision or a selection. These often can reward differing jackpot levels as well. Free Spins – As the name implies, these offer players some extra spins that don’t take any credits from their bank. These are also triggered by revealing certain symbols or combinations on the reels. These can range from just a few to many spins and usually offer more chances to win big prizes. These sequences also come with some extra excitement as players rack up reward after reward. Pick’em Games – This is a type of bonus game where a player may have to match symbols, pick cards, or make some other selection in hopes of revealing or reaching some major prize or jackpot. Scatters – These are symbols on the reels that are usually more valuable and sought-after than others. They usually trigger some other event such as a bonus game or free spins. Wilds – These symbols can help a player win more, perhaps even a jackpot, by functioning as a substitute for other symbols. These can help deliver you more winning combinations in the process. If you are one short of making a nice combination on the payline, these can help deliver that payout after all. How often all the above occurs depends on the luck of the draw – more specifically, the slot machines internal random number generator and programming. 4 – What are progressive jackpot slots? That’s the kind of news story most slot players hope would focus on them. But when you consider just how many slot machines there are in existence and how much is put into them at any second of the day, these types of jackpots are extremely rare. When these payouts do occur they come on what is known as a progressive slot. These games are linked together across a certain region, area, state, or through some other method. As players put in credits, a sliver of each spin is sent to the progressive jackpot pool. As more players insert cash, the prize pool grows “progressively” as well until a player hits it big for a mega jackpot. Like non-progressive machines outlined above, however, these games also usually offer several tiered payouts as well. For more information on how to play progressive slots, check out our guide: "how to play progressive slots." It’s important to note that these machines’ payouts are also based on a game's random number generators. Casinos and players have no input on how or when these are paid out. The slot machine doesn’t have any kind of schedule or set routine on when to pay out jackpots, they just occur at any time. And when it comes to progressive slots versus non-progressive slots here’s a look at some of the key differences and similarities. Type Progressive Slots Non-progressive Slots Jackpots Can be large mega jackpots in the millions May be large but not as big as seen in progressive games Betting Limits Tend to be higher Can start as small as one cent per payline Max Coin-in? Usually required to qualify for progressive jackpots Not necessarily needed, but may be required for higher payouts on the paytable Popularity Many players enjoy trying for bigger jackpots Many players enjoy smaller limits and regular payouts Game types Numerous themes and options Numerous themes and options 5 – What happens when you win a slot jackpot? You’ve got that lucky charm in place and ordered a nice cocktail. You’re parked in front of one of your favorite slots in your favorite casino. There’s a buzz in the atmosphere as you drop in a few bucks and start spinning those reels. Then … it happens. Those symbols line up just like you’d dreamed they would. Maybe you’ve chosen a progressive machine or maybe just a normal non-progressive slot machine. Either way, the screen shows a massive jackpot heading your way complete with special music, sound effects, and graphics. You’ve lived every slot player’s dream and cashed in on a major payout. But what happens next when you defy the odds and hit a jackpot? What’s the procedure to collect your winnings at the casino? That depends on the casino and jurisdiction, but these situations generally look like this: The machine will often instruct you to wait for a casino attendant. You’ll be asked to fill out a tax form and provide an ID. Taxing entities usually get a cut of the winnings as a player’s income. If your payout is under $25,000, the casino can usually hand out cash or write you a check. The casino has other options for larger payments, such as a wire transfer. Players who win an extremely high amount often have the option between a lump-sum payment or an annual annuity payment. These winners are often given a couple of months to decide now they’d like to receive that payment. Hopefully, you’ll be lucky enough to see the entire process on that next trip to Las Vegas or even your own local casino. Online platforms follow a similar process when it comes to tax reporting. Grab that lucky charm and hopefully your next slot adventure will be a winner! Handpick your preferred slot from the collection below. Click here to delve into the world of our free slots. 6 – Frequently asked questions What is a jackpot on a slot machine? A jackpot is a larger prize awarded on a slot for finding certain combinations on the casino reels. These can vary in size from smaller payout like $50 up to mega payouts in the millions of dollars. What is a progressive jackpot? These are the mega payouts that players may read about in the news. Progressive slots are linked over a certain area with a small amount of each spin going into the prize pool. That prize pool continues to build until a player cashes in for an enormous jackpot. Players can also win smaller jackpots from that prize pool along the way as well. These can be smaller than the mega jackpot, but can still be significant. Players on progressive machines can usually expect to play higher limits and usually the max bet to qualify for the progressive jackpots. How often do slot machines award players with a jackpot? There is no way to know. Each slot utilizes a random number generator within the game’s software that ensures all payouts are completely random. There is nothing a player or casino can do to affect this. Some players believe a machine is “due” to pay out. That is a misnomer and payouts are solely determined by the RNG. Some may pay off a few times in a rather short period while others may see an extended time between major payouts. Can I get an edge on certain slot machines that may result in a jackpot? Slot machines are entertainment and the house always has an edge. That varies by the property when it comes to returning to player (RTP), which is the total coin-in that the property sends back to players. Players can’t gain an edge in slots, but the higher the RTP on a machine, casinos, or certain betting limits at least means you have a better chance of recording a winning session.
2 April, 2023
Unlock a New Level of Fun with These 6 Truly Unique Slot Machines
1 – Going Big The size of a slot may not necessarily matter when it comes to your chances of taking away a jackpot or some nice winnings. But a few slots stand out just from their sheer enormity. The largest slot comes with quite a unique twist. The Slotzilla zipline experience not only offers visitors plenty of thrills flying through downtown Las Vegas, but also doubles as the largest slot machine in the world. The game checks in at 128 feet tall and comes complete with video screen reels and even a handle in case a giant wanted to give the machine a spin. When it comes to a more traditional slot machine experience, that just happens to be enormous in size, downtown Las Vegas is also still the place to be. Just inside the Golden Nugget, check out the giant-sized slot that often draws plenty of onlookers. This four-reel machine is about 8 feet long and the novelty of the game alone is worth a few spins of the reels. The Four Queens also housed a gigantic slot machine for years. Aptly named the Queen’s Machine, this game checked in at 10 feet tall and 9 feet wide. Once known as the largest slot in the world, the device featured enough seating for six players, who each had their own individual betting options. Also in Las Vegas, Bally’s (now rebranded as Horseshoe Las Vegas) was home to the super-sized Big Bertha slot. Named after a World War I German howitzer, the machine reportedly cost $150,000 to manufacture. Now retired, Bertha measured 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide, with three huge reels driven by a five-horsepower electric motor and 20-inch chain wheels. Super Big Bertha eventually replaced the original, measuring eight feet tall and 6.5 feet wide with eight reels. These mega machines brought in plenty of players looking to hit it big on these big machines. Make your choice and embark on a slot adventure with the options below: Click here to explore all of our free slots. 2 – Gridiron Gambling This slot stands out for its actual location, not necessarily the game itself. Most gambling and sports fans might think a slot machine right behind the end zone on a football field seems a bit bizarre. But the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, isn’t like every other college football program. Many teams use some form of motivational sideline gimmicks for players who shine on the field in various moments of the game. For example, Virginia Tech has used a lunch pail since 1995. The week’s defensive player of the game brings the unique trophy to practices, meetings, and the next week’s game – ready to “go to work.” In 2021, UNLV debuted its own take on the sideline gimmick. The Rebels installed a “turnover slot machine” that seems fitting for Sin City. The slot was designed exclusively for the team and earned high marks from players, bringing some spinning-reel excitement to big-play celebrations. “I really wanted to somehow implement a slot machine,” UNLV football’s chief strategy officer and director of recruiting Shelby McIntyre told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I wanted the slot machine to win every spin, because it’s kind of a letdown if you go and spin and you don’t win.” For the team, this game is always a winner. Here’s a look at the UNLV slot in action. 3 – Taking ‘Grease’ for a Ride Fans of the Grease film and musical featuring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John may want to give the slot machine version a spin. The game features characters from the film such as Sandy, Danny, and others. Set in the 1950s, the game also includes classic cars, plenty of 1950s nostalgia, and popular songs from the film. The game’s bonus game even offers a look at the Rydell High School yearbook. Clips of the 1978 movie even appear while spinning the reels. As Danny Zuko, might say – it’s electrifying. When the game debuted, many slot players could really get a feel like they were a real part of the Grease crew. That’s because rather than just housing the game in a traditional slot cabinet, there was a bit more to the experience. Fitting for the film, early games took a seat in front of a row of the slots built right into a hot rod. Players can feel like they are part of the action and check out a classic car that looks like it’s right from the Grease set. It’s a cool aesthetic addition that no doubt turned plenty of heads. 4 – The Wheel Deal In 2021, auto sales company Carvana ramped up the car-themed slot machine angle even more. The company debuted one of its car vending machines in Las Vegas. Customers can shop for more than 20,000 used cars online and schedule a pickup as soon as the next day at these vending machines across the U.S. However, the company focused on a bit more of the slot machine angle when unveiling the Vegas version. Customers heading to the 11-story “car slot” will find a colorful, glowing glass structure that can house up to 39 vehicles with a wonderful view of the Sin City skyline in the background. Cashing in for a car is a regular part of many casino promotions as a reward or jackpot, but the Carvana slot delivers the car itself. When playing on this machine, buyers are even given a special oversized slot token. Once dropped in the machine, the vending process begins with a car soon hitting the payout area. Buyers can grab their keys and then drive off with their new set of wheels feeling like a winner. 5 – Horsing Around Fans of horse racing and slot machines can combine both of their interests in the Fortune Cup horse racing game. Technically a slot, the game plays out much differently than dropping some funds in a traditional reel game – because there are no reels. Instead, players make selections at a realistic-looking three-dimensional horse track. When it’s post time, the mechanical horses then race around the track before paying out winners and losers. This can be a great way to spend some time in the casino and play a truly unique game. This may be the next best thing to visiting a track in person and Fortune Cup can now be found at numerous casinos. Another horse racing slot version is Sigma Derby, an older precursor Fortune Cup. This classic horse racing machine features some vintage fun with players dropping in coins instead of cash. The game can still be found at a few casinos including at the D Las Vegas downtown. The old-school game is a bit more primitive than Fortune Cup with less realistic horses making their way around the track, but that’s all part of the fun. Snag a handful of quarters at the change machine and place your bet – or perhaps even a quinella. Then watch these mechanical horses and jockeys race around the track. Hopefully, your horse is a winner! 6 – Robot Wars It’s been a banner year for fans of robot fighting. The Battlebots Destruct-A-Thon show debuted in Las Vegas, bringing the mechanized fighting from the popular TV show up close and personal for Sin City visitors. For those new to the show, teams build varying robots that battle it out each week in the BattleBots Arena. Builders spend thousands of dollars to build these bots, which can weigh up to 500 pounds. Fights can feature plenty of sparks, fire, weapons like hammers and saws, and even bots getting flipped high into the air by their opponents. Beyond the Vegas show, a BattleBots slot machine also debuted in 2023 as well. Players can try their luck on the game as they check out some robot fighting right on the screen. The game debuted at the Silverton Casino in Las Vegas and what’s cool about playing at the location is that some of the classic robots right from the show are housed right next to the games. Fans can get in the ring at the BattleBots slot as they check out some of their favorite fighters – complete with plenty of battle scars. Some of those on display include Tombstone, Skorpios, Jackpot, and Ginsu, with many features in the slot. Gear up on that next trip to Vegas and perhaps you’ll walk out of the BattleBots slot arena as a winner. Here’s a first-hand look at the game at the Silverton.
23 March, 2023
Spin to Win: A Guide to Playing Slots in Las Vegas
Those new to playing slot machines may be intimidated on that first trip to a casino or even when opening a virtual gaming site to play online. But there isn’t much to worry about and putting a few bucks in a slot offers a chance at some gaming fun including on that next trip to Las Vegas. If you’re new to the world of slots, getting a general knowledge of what to expect is simple and a few concepts will help on that next trip to Vegas. Perhaps that could even mean bringing back some winnings after a few nice sessions at the slots. Keep reading to learn more about how to play slots in Vegas and what to expect. Quick Step-by-Step Slot Play Guide for Vegas Beginners Choose Your Casino: Las Vegas offers a plethora of casinos with different themes and atmospheres. Pick a casino that appeals to you, keeping in mind factors like location, reputation, and any other specific preferences you might have. Set a Budget: Decide how much money you're willing to spend on playing slots and stick to that budget. Slots can be very entertaining, but it's crucial to gamble responsibly. Get Cash: Most slot machines in Las Vegas accept both cash and ticket-in, ticket-out (TITO) vouchers. You can either bring cash or use ATMs available within the casino. Avoid using credit cards at ATMs to prevent overspending. Select Your Slot Machine: Walk around the casino floor and explore the various slot machines available. They come in different themes, denominations, and styles. Look for a machine that appeals to you visually and fits your budget. Insert Money: If you have cash, insert it into the bill acceptor or use the designated slot to add your bills. If you prefer to play with a TITO voucher, locate a redemption machine to exchange your cash for a voucher. Choose Your Bet: After your money is in the machine, you'll need to select your bet amount. You can usually adjust the bet per line and the number of lines you want to play. Keep in mind that betting more per spin can lead to larger potential payouts but also increases your risk. Spin the Reels: Once you've set your bet, press the "Spin" button or pull the lever (if it's a classic slot machine). The reels will start spinning, and the symbols will land randomly. Watch for Winning Combinations: Keep an eye on the paytable, usually displayed on the slot machine or on a nearby screen. This shows the winning combinations and their corresponding payouts. If the symbols align in a winning pattern, you'll receive your winnings. Collect Winnings: If you win, the machine will automatically add your winnings to your credits. You can either continue playing or cash out by pressing the "Cash Out" button. If you're playing with a TITO voucher, you can redeem it at a redemption machine or take it to the cashier. Know When to Quit: It's important to recognize when to stop playing. If you've reached your budget or have been playing for a while without significant wins, it might be time to walk away. Enjoy the Experience: Slot machines are designed to be fun and entertaining. While winning is exciting, remember that slots are primarily a form of entertainment, and the odds are usually in favor of the casino. Join the Player's Club: Many casinos offer player's club memberships that provide perks like discounts, free play, and other rewards. Sign up if you plan to spend time in the casino. Remember, playing slots should be done for entertainment, and it's essential to gamble responsibly. Set limits, stick to your budget, and most importantly, have fun while you're in Las Vegas! How to play slots in Las Vegas While casinos offer plenty of entertainment options, from table games to big-name shows to sports betting, slot machines have become the most popular form of casino wagering in recent years. They are simple to play and modern machines offer plenty of amazing graphics, sound effects, and fun beyond vintage games that may have simply featured three reels spinning with a few symbols on each. Instead, slot fans now can find games with slot themes of every variety. Pop culture has become a popular theme in recent years. Players can expect games featuring: Movies and TV shows Music bands and singers Animals and nature Activities such as sports Asian-themed slots Video poker And much more There is literally something for everyone and at every limit level as well. Most games start at simply one cent per payline, the lines used on the reels to designate winnings spins. Now that you know a little about these machines, how exactly do they work? A slot is basically built around a set of reels that spin vertically. In the old days, these were real mechanical machines with symbols that were used to show a win if they lined up correctly on the payline. Modern slots, however, are based on software and RNGs (random number generators) within the machine. Reels are also mostly represented on a video screen now on most games. Players no longer need to pull a mechanical reel to activate the reels, and can simply press the “spin” button. Click here for further information on slot machine reels. Modern slots also offer more paylines to add more opportunities to win. Players now enjoy bonus games, which may even require user interactivity, and free spins to add even more chances to win. Wild symbols can also substitute for other symbols on the reels to make for extra winning combinations. Players new to a slot may want to check the pay table as well when starting to play. This is usually located on the video screens and shows the best winning symbols and combinations – including what needs to align to win a jackpot. The entire process of playing a slot in Las Vegas or at any other casino is simple and here’s a guide with a few concepts to remember. Playing Slot Machines Feature Result or meaning Spin button Initiates the slot reels Symbol Images on the reels are used to represent winning spins. Paytable Shows possible winning combinations to watch for Paylines Lines used to determine winning spins. The slot will indicate all winning spins. Scatter A symbol that can initiate a bonus game. Wild Used to substitute for other symbols and create more winning combinations. Credits Money put into a machine. Jackpot A higher payout is rarer than a normal winning spin. Bonus game An extra game that may require a different screen or feature. These offer players a chance to win more and bigger prizes. Free spins A feature on many games where players can be rewarded with extra spins that don’t take away from a player’s credits. These offer players more chances to win. Click here for additional slot terminology. How to play progressive slots in Las Vegas Players new to slot machines may have seen occasional stories in the news about eye-popping jackpots occasionally paid out to players. These can top $1 million with the largest jackpot ever paid checking in at much more. In 2003, a player at the Excalibur Casino in Las Vegas hit a $39.7 million jackpot after depositing $100 in a Megabucks machine. This type of machine is called a progressive slot machine. These games take a portion of each spin and place that into a separate prize pool. The games are linked together in a certain jurisdiction or area, and that prize pool continues growing until someone hits it big and scores a massive chunk of the total prize pool. This is what allows a slot to pay out such staggering prizes. Players dropping some cash in these games also have chances at some other smaller, yet still large, jackpots as well. Most casinos in Las Vegas as well as in other casino destinations offer at least progressive slot games. These offer chances at massive paydays but it’s important to remember: Massive jackpots are rare. Most progressive slots require players to play maximum credits to qualify for the largest jackpots. Some progressives require higher stakes than non-progressive slots. Those traveling to play in Vegas will find many opportunities to try out a progressive slot machine. Playing progressive slots offers a chance to dream about what it might be like to really hit one of those huge jackpots. That likely isn’t going to happen, but some nice wins could still come your way as you try to hit it big. To increase your chances, consider exploring our How to win at slots guide for valuable insights. Make your choice from the slots listed below: To explore all our free slots, click here. Types of Slot Machines in Las Vegas Las Vegas offers a vast array of slot machines, each with its own unique features, themes, and gameplay. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, it's helpful to understand the various types of slot machines you might encounter: Classic Slot Machines: Classic slots, also known as "fruit machines" or "one-armed bandits," are the traditional slot machines with three reels and a limited number of symbols. They often feature familiar symbols like fruits, bars, and sevens. Classic slots are straightforward and perfect for beginners. Video Slots: Video slots are the most common type of slot machine in Las Vegas. They feature five or more reels and a wide variety of themes and symbols. These machines often have multiple paylines, bonus rounds, and interactive features that make gameplay more engaging. Progressive Jackpot Slots: Progressive jackpot slots are a favorite among players hoping to hit a life-changing jackpot. These machines feature a constantly growing jackpot that accumulates as players wager. A small portion of each bet goes into the jackpot pool, which can reach millions of dollars. Examples include Megabucks and Wheel of Fortune. Read more on how to play progressive slots. 3D Slots: 3D slots offer a visually immersive gaming experience with high-quality graphics and animations. They often feature elaborate storylines and interactive bonus rounds. These machines aim to provide a more cinematic feel to slot gameplay. Fruit Machines: Fruit machines, inspired by British pub-style slots, are less common in Las Vegas but can still be found in some casinos. They typically have basic gameplay with fruit symbols, nudges, and bonus boards. Multi-Line Slots: Multi-line slots allow players to activate multiple paylines on a single spin, increasing their chances of winning. Players can choose how many lines to play and how much to bet per line. Some machines offer up to 100 or more paylines. Penny Slots: Penny slots are designed for players on a tight budget. These machines accept low-denomination coins or bets, typically starting at one cent per line. They are an affordable option for those who want to extend their playtime. Read more on how to play penny slots. High-Limit Slots: On the other end of the spectrum, high-limit slots cater to players with larger bankrolls. These machines allow for significantly higher bets per spin and offer the potential for larger payouts. Branded Slots: Branded slots feature popular themes from movies, TV shows, music, and other entertainment franchises. Examples include "Game of Thrones," "The Walking Dead," and "Star Wars." These machines often incorporate familiar characters and soundtracks into the gameplay. Skill-Based Slots: Skill-based slots are a newer addition to the casino floor. They require a level of skill or strategy to win, rather than relying solely on luck. Players may need to complete tasks or mini-games to earn prizes. Reel Grid Slots: Reel grid slots, also known as cluster pays or grid slots, replace traditional paylines with a grid of symbols. Wins are achieved by forming clusters of matching symbols adjacent to each other. Virtual Reality (VR) Slots: Some casinos in Las Vegas are experimenting with VR slots, offering an immersive virtual reality experience. Players wear VR headsets to enjoy 3D graphics and interactive gameplay. When exploring the casinos in Las Vegas, take the time to try different types of slot machines to discover which ones you enjoy the most. Each type offers a unique experience, and part of the fun is exploring the variety of options available on the casino floor. Whether you prefer the simplicity of classic slots or the excitement of progressive jackpots, there's a slot machine in Las Vegas to suit every player's preferences. Are slot machines “rigged” in casinos? The quick answer to this question is no. Players must realize, however, that slot machines are not rigged and feature a house edge. The games pay out a certain amount back to players while the casino keeps a certain amount for itself. That house edge can’t be overcome, so it’s important to realize that. However, playing slowly and within your means can make for real entertainment. The RNG within the slot determines if a spin will be a winner or loser, no matter what a player does. Do slot machines pay out less on the weekends? Answer: No, slot results are based on the RNG and the software within the machine no matter what time of day or week. The machines generate random results and your win or loss is based on a random result. Do casinos put the “loosest” slot machines near entrances? Answer: This is also a myth and the game’s performance is based on the RNG and internal programming. These games are computers and provide random results. Are some casinos due to pay out a jackpot? Answer: This is also a monomer and come machines may pay out jackpots two or three times within a certain amount of time. Other times they may experience a “drought” before paying out. The results are random based on the random number generator. How to get free play in Las Vegas? Free play refers to a slot that a player receives without having to use any of his or her own money. Players can cash in for real winnings with these spins and it’s always worth taking advantage of these bonus spins when they are available. How does one actually get some free spins in Las Vegas or at other casinos? Many properties offer players some free play simply for signing up for the casino’s rewards card, especially some of those located away from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. A rewards card is always worth getting as well because if you’re going to play slots, table, games, or video poker, you might as well earn points toward some of those rewards. Many properties “comp” players with free meals, hotel rooms, and other prizes depending on the amount they play at the casino and the number of points accrued. Those rewards can also include free play sometimes as well. Players may be rewarded with a certain number of spins or a certain amount toward playing. Any winnings collected during these spins can be cashed in for possibly even bigger prizes. A rewards member may also even be invited to a slot tournament. These are sometimes free or may have a minimal buy-in, and have players competing on the slots in a tournament-style competition. The goal is to beat other players within a certain time limit with a chance at some nice cash or prizes put up by the casino. Click here for further information on slot tournaments. Free play can be a lot of fun and doesn’t cost a player anything with a real chance to win. What is the best time to play slots in Las Vegas? This question may depend on the person. Weekends tend to be the busiest and finding a spot at your favorite slot might be more difficult because of so many visitors looking for some winnings themselves. However, those who like the energy of a busy casino may want to hit the slots in the evening or on a weekend. There may be a bustling energy when visiting a casino during this time. On the other hand, for visitors who like a more subdued feel with plenty of room to roam, the morning or daytime might be a better option for playing some slots in Vegas. There tend to be fewer players during this time, which might make for a more relaxed experience. Earlier in the week can also be a good time to play some slots as well. There tend to be fewer players in town and you may have better access to your slots of choice. There is one thing to remember when it comes to the best time to play slots: the actual games are unaffected by the time of day or day of the week. Slots don’t pay out at certain times over other times. As noted, the computer programming within the slots determines a payout at random. The RNG determines a winner as soon as the “spin” button is pressed, zipping through millions of combinations almost instantaneously. That next jackpot may pay out on Monday at noon, Friday at 7 p.m., or Sunday’s early morning hours at 4:33 a.m. You just never know. When it comes to winning, players have no real insight into what’s the best time to play a slot. Those nice payouts and jackpots come at completely random times. Do casinos get rid of slot machines that pay out too much? Many players may think the casino has stacked the deck against them. In a sense, that’s true when it comes to the idea of the house having an edge over players. However, casinos mostly just want to keep slots on the floor that players enjoy and keep playing. Remember, casinos generally keep a percentage of the entire coin-in to their slot machines. That means they make their money from players actually playing at the slots. That’s why casinos offer players free drinks and the chance at comps like free meals and rooms. The casinos want players gambling and are less concerned with player payouts – property managers know they have the edge in the long term. Those games that don’t receive much play are generally the ones that can be removed. More popular games that are generating plenty of coin-in may be repositioned into better locations and properties may also add more of them. The payout to players is often determined by the slot manufacturer and referred to as RTP (return to player). That’s the total percentage of coin-in paid back to players overall. The higher the RTP, the better the chance of a payout for players. This figure also can apply to casinos, gaming jurisdictions or areas, individual slots, a section of games (such as high limits), and more. Sometimes casinos may even make changes because of player interest. In recent years, many Las Vegas properties have phased out a lot of the nickel slots at their properties. Penny slots have become more popular and replaced many of those former nickel games. Those one-cent slots, however, have numerous paylines and each spin can cost much more than a penny. As TripAdvisor notes: The casinos didn't really mind, because the penny machines have a much lower payback percentage. How often does someone win big in Las Vegas? This may be a hard question to quantify. What may be a large payout to one person may not be the same to another person. Players all across Las Vegas book winning sessions at the slots daily. Players also record five- and six-figure jackpots regularly in Las Vegas as well as in other casinos around the world. It’s important to remember that the house holds an edge over slot players and that’s just a fact players have to deal with. Slots are meant for entertainment and if you book a nice win, so much the better. When it comes to major jackpots in the $1 million-plus range, those are much rarer. These seem to occur a few times a month and make headlines when they happen. But winning at that level certainly isn’t the norm. As noted, these payouts generally come on progressive slots where players play at higher limits with the maximum bet in place. These may offer the opportunity at bigger payouts but can also eat away at a player’s bankroll. How do I pick a slot machine to play in Las Vegas? Picking a slot machine is dependent on a player’s mood or interests. There is something for everyone and every taste – from modern machines featuring pop culture to classic games with lucky symbols like 7s, fruits, and more. Those who like to cash in on frequent spins will look for games offering a low variance of payouts. That means they pay out small and medium payouts more frequently while the larger payouts are rare. Higher volatility slots tend to pay out less often but often larger payouts when they deliver a win to a player. There are numerous online sources to check out some of your favorite slots and how they stack up in these areas. Considering RTP is also a good idea and there are numerous online sources, including slot manufacturer websites, that offer this type of information. A higher RTP means more money is paid back to players and you may have a better chance at winning. There are numerous online sources available to check out various Vegas casinos’ RTP as well as those percentages for individual games and areas. Strategies and Tips for Maximizing Your Vegas Slot Experience While slot machines are primarily games of chance, there are a few strategies and tips you can consider to maximize your enjoyment and potentially increase your odds of winning in Las Vegas: Understand the Odds: It's essential to recognize that slot machines are designed to be random, and outcomes are determined by a random number generator (RNG). Each spin is independent, and past results do not affect future spins. This means there is no guaranteed strategy to beat the slots. Set Win and Loss Limits: Before you start playing, establish both a winning and a losing limit. Decide on a percentage of your bankroll that, if reached, will prompt you to cash out. Conversely, set a limit for losses at which you'll walk away. Stick to these limits to help manage your bankroll effectively. Choose Machines Wisely: Look for slot machines with higher RTP (Return to Player) percentages. RTP represents the average amount of money returned to players over time. Machines with higher RTPs generally offer better long-term odds. Casinos may post this information for some machines, but you can also find it online. Play Max Bet on Progressive Jackpots: If you're playing a progressive jackpot slot, consider betting the maximum amount, as this is often a requirement for a chance to win the progressive jackpot. While it may be more expensive per spin, it's the only way to win the big jackpot. Manage Your Bankroll: Stick to your budget and avoid chasing losses by increasing your bets. Remember that slots are designed for the casino to have an edge in the long run. Avoid overextending your budget to prolong your playtime. Take Advantage of Player's Club Rewards: Join the player's club at the casino you're playing in. Membership often comes with perks like free play, discounts on dining and entertainment, and access to exclusive promotions. Even if you're playing slots casually, these rewards can add up over time. Try Different Machines: Don't be afraid to switch machines if you're not having luck on one. Slot machines operate on RNGs, so each spin is independent. A new machine may bring a change in fortune. Time Your Play: Some players believe that playing at certain times of the day or on specific days of the week can improve their chances of winning. However, these notions are generally based on superstition and not backed by solid evidence. Practice Responsible Gambling: The most important tip of all is to gamble responsibly. Set strict time and budget limits, and never gamble with money you can't afford to lose. If gambling becomes a problem, seek help immediately. Enjoy the Entertainment: Remember that slots are meant to be entertaining. Even if you don't win big, enjoy the thrill and excitement of playing. If you're lucky enough to hit a jackpot, it's a bonus! While there are no foolproof strategies to consistently win at slots in Las Vegas, these tips can help you make informed decisions and enhance your overall experience. Keep in mind that slots are games of luck, and the most crucial aspect is to have fun while playing. Frequently asked questions What are progressive slots? These are games that are linked together over a certain state or region and offer chances at winning mega-jackpots that often make news headlines. These payouts can go into the millions but usually require players to play at max credits to qualify for these giant jackpots. The huge prizes are achieved by funneling a certain amount of each coin into the jackpot prize pool. Players can also expect other jackpots on these machines that may not be in the millions but can still be large. Are Las Vegas slots “rigged” by the casinos? No, slots are programmed to pay out a certain percentage of all coin-in to the machine. Payouts are based on the RNG (random number generator) within the game’s software. This ensures a payout is made completely at random. Some machines may seemingly pay out more frequently at times while at other times they may seem dormant and not paying out any major payouts. This all depends on the machine’s RNG. Casinos take a share of the entire coin-in to the machines. They have little need or incentive to rig the machines as they also have a house edge and always win over the vast majority of players over the long run. Do Vegas casinos get rid of slots that pay out too much? Again, payouts are based totally on a machine’s random number generator. Properties’ slot changes are usually more based on player demand for gaming than on whether a certain machine has paid out a lot lately. With their house edge, casinos simply want players at the machines as much as possible. They want their share of coin-in to be as big as possible.
14 March, 2023