Most people look at the vast array of casino slot machines and assume they are all alike. They see a handle, a coin slot, flashing lights and figure one is as good as another. However, in making this assumption, they fail to see a lot of valuable information to help determine if they should play a particular slot machine.
Surprisingly perhaps, machines aren't all the same. The best way to separate one from another is to learn how to “read” a machine by looking at the payout schedule on the front. Let’s see what information can be found on a typical slot machine.
On the video slot game illustrated above, there is no pay table incentive to wager maximum coins per line. However, it might be to your advantage to make sure you bet on every payline. Everything is ticket now, the last slots there that I remember being coin op'ed were the video poker $.25 and $.05 bank by the players club counter. The only coin op'ed slots that I can still confirm in the state of Nevada right now are at Main Street Station in downtown Vegas. Still got $.25 video poker there with real quarters.
Casinos here in the U.S. and abroad keep several types of slot machines in play at any given time. A few you'll most often see:
Multiplier: This machine has a payout for a certain symbol and the number of coins played multiplies it. If the machine pays 5 coins for three lemons when you play one coin, it would pay 10 for the second coin and 15 for three coins played. This machine does not penalize you for not playing maximum coins. If you plan to play only one coin at a time, this is the type of machine you should look for.
Bonus Multiplier: This machine operates like the multiplier but offers a bonus when you play maximum coins and hit the jackpot. Three 7’s may pay 1,000 for one coin, 2,000 for two coins and 10,000 for maximum coins. The central question is whether the bonus is worth playing the extra coin.
Multiple Payline: These machines have more than one line of play. Each coin activates a particular line. If you hit a winner on a line that is not activated, you will not receive anything. The older machines used to have three lines but the newer video slots can have up to nine lines.
Buy-a-Pay: These are the most misunderstood machines in the casino. Each coin activates a different payout. You need the maximum coins to receive the largest jackpot.
One example is the Sizzlin' 7s machines. This machine will pay on cherries, bars, and sevens. The sevens pay 1,000 coins. If you play one coin you collect only on the cherries. If you play two coins you collect on cherries and bars.
Three coins are required to collect on the Sizzlin' 7s. If you hit the jackpot with one coin in you will not win anything -- do not play this machine under any circumstances unless you are playing the maximum coins.
Progressive Slots: The progressive slots take a certain percentage of the money played and add it to a pool for the top jackpot.
Do Slot Machines Still Pay In Coins Value
First and foremost, It is never wise to play a progressive machine with less than the maximum coins -- stories abound of people losing out on lesser progressive jackpots because of short coin play.
Some casinos link machines together within their own facility to offer mini-progressive jackpots.
Megabucks and Quarter Mania are examples of machines from several casinos linked together to offer 'life-changing jackpots'. It's important to keep in mind that payback percentage on lesser wins is lowered to allow for these jackpots.
All of the information you need is posted on the front of each slot machine. Before sitting down to play, taking a minute to “read” the machine will help make you more knowledgeable in determining which machines may be best suited for you.
Until next time, remember:
'Luck comes and goes...Knowledge Stays Forever.'
Slot machines are everywhere in Las Vegas, but in downtown Las Vegas, there are some that truly stand out. We’ve gathered a few we consider must-sees during a visit to downtown and Fremont Street Experience.
SlotZilla Zip Line
Not surprisingly, we’re starting with the biggest, baddest slot machine anywhere. The SlotZilla zip line is the world’s largest slot machine, standing a towering 128 feet tall. Guests can fly down the Fremont Street Experience on two levels, the upper Zoomline (114 feet up) or lower Zipline (77 feet up). This one-of-a-kind slot machine has video screen “reels” and a massive, animated arm, simulating a true slot machine experience. Only in Vegas, baby!
Vintage Slots at Main Street Casino
The Main Street hotel houses surprises at every turn, including rare antiques and art from around the world. There’s even a slab of the Berlin Wall in one of the hotel’s restrooms! The hotel also has a collection of classic slot machines on display, just a few feet from the hotel’s registration area. These gorgeous relics of a bygone era are art in their own right.
Oversized Slot at The D Las Vegas
Unless you know where to look, you might just miss this one. The second level of The D Las Vegas, formerly Fitzgerald’s, is dedicated to classic slot machines. You know, the kind that take and pay coins, rather than paper. On the exterior of the casino’s second floor is a larger-than-life slot machine, complete with a moving “arm.” Get a closer look by taking the escalator up to the second floor. You’ll notice the escalator only goes up, into The D. Hey, Las Vegas casinos know what they’re doing! (Don’t freak out, there’s a down escalator inside. Besides, once you’re inside The D, you may never want to leave.)
Related: Five Ways to Improve Your Mojo Before Gambling in a Las Vegas Casino
Sigma Derby at The D
While you’re at The D, make sure to check out a truly distinctive slot machine, Sigma Derby. This throwback machine is one of only two still operating in Las Vegas (the other is at MGM Grand). Sigma Derby machines made their debut in 1985, and up to 10 players can place bets on their favorite mechanical horses. When the Sigma Derby machine fills up with players, it’s one of the most exciting games in any Las Vegas casino.
Humongous Slot Machine at Golden Nugget
It’s one of the biggest functioning slot machines in Las Vegas, and it’s right inside the door at Golden Nugget. Playing this machine isn’t just fun because you’re winning–it’s so large and eye-catching, it often attracts a crowd. The machine’s roughly eight feet tall and has four reels. In Vegas, it’s either go big or go home, and Golden Nugget’s giant slot machine is a great way to go big.
Silver Strike at Four Queens
Silver Strike slot machines add some surprises to the typical slot machine experience. On these machines at Four Queens Las Vegas, you can win not only money, but also souvenir tokens containing, you guessed it, silver.
Do Slot Machines Still Pay In Coins Needed
Silver Strike machines pay out coins of different values, from $10 in value to $300. While they can be redeemed for cash at the casino cage, we tend to hold onto ours. The coins come in a variety of styles, and often come out in plastic cases to protect them. (The blue ones are called “bluecaps.”) Give the Silver Strike slot machines a try when you’re at Four Queens.
Gold Pays Slots
Golden Gate Classics
Coin Slot Machines
The Golden Gate casino opened in 1906, making it the oldest casino in Las Vegas, so it’s no surprise the casino has its own collection of antique slot machines. The bank of classic machines are near the casino’s valet entrance and loyalty club desk. Included in the collection are machines from the earliest days of Las Vegas casinos, back when slot machines were primarily to keep the wives of table game players occupied. How things have changed!
Coin Operated Slot Machines For Sale
Las Vegas slot machines come in just about every shape or size you can imagine. Make sure to take a look at these weird and wonderful slot machines during your next visit to downtown Las Vegas.
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