If you visit Las Vegas, you need to try the flashy slot machines. As a former Vegas casino employee, I will teach you the secrets of how to play slots in Vegas.
I know it can take a while for many first-timers to understand how Vegas works and what it’s like to go on a gambling trip.
But don’t worry.
In this guide, I will go through everything you need to know about Vegas slot machines.
Here’s what you’ll find out:
Keep reading to learn more.
The trip to Vegas is always exciting, but it’s best to prepare in advance. Here are the things that you should consider before leaving to Sin City:
Make some decisions about where you want to play
Often, the decision is made based upon non-gambling criteria, such as restaurants available, where is my meeting or convention being held, is it a 5-Star hotel, is it in a convenient location for me to get to, and so on.
I've put together a little table of slot financials from the four main areas of Las Vegas, broken down by denomination.
Please note
These numbers come from the Nevada Gaming Control Board from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.
This may give you an idea of where your best value may be as you make your decision about where you want to play.
The blue line on the map below is the Las Vegas Strip. The red line is the Boulder Strip, and its general area is outlined in green.
Downtown is right underneath the 'V' in Las Vegas, and follow Main Street to get to North Las Vegas, just above where it says 'Las Vegas' on the map. And 'off-Strip' means anything close to the blue line.
Fun Fact
There are more than 200 casinos in the greater Las Vegas area, so there are plenty of places to play!
Research which casinos offer the best slot machines
This can be a tricky one.
All the leading Las Vegas casinos have hundreds of slot machines (many of the big ones have more than a thousand!) It may be challenging to find the ones you like.
Having said that, here is a quick list of some Vegas casinos you should check out:
Boyd Gaming Corporation
- Aliante Casino
- California Casino
- Cannery Casino
- Suncoast Casino
Caesars Entertainment
- Bally's Las Vegas
- Binion's Gambling Hall
- Caesars Palace
- Silver Legacy Resort Casino
- Tropicana Casino
Golden Entertainment
- Aquarius Casino Resort
- Arizona Charlie's Boulder
- Luxor Casino
- MGM Grand
- Mirage
- New York Casino
Red Rock Resorts
- Boulder Station
- Green Valley
- Palace Station Casino
- Red Rock Casino
- Santa Fe Casino
- Sunset Station
Of course, there are several more casinos available in Vegas.
Gather information on special promotions and bonuses
Similarly to online bonus codes, most Vegas casinos offer freebies for joining the Player's Club and getting and using the Club card every time you play slots (and table games, too!).
There are several ways they may reward you, including: free slot play, cashback, discounted or free food, and so on.
Pro Tip #1
A little time spent on research may get you quite a lot back in free stuff and promotional offers.
Take advantage of whatever is offered – after all, it is free!
There are a couple of forms you may need to know about, so let's talk about those here.
What is a W2-G?
The casino must file this form to the IRS if you hit a jackpot of $1,200 or more. You must provide your social security number before the casino pays the jackpot.
Note that if you cash out $1,200 or more from accumulated credits (i.e., you got to $1,200 by winning multiple smaller amounts), there is no W2-G required – it's only if you hit the jackpot for that amount or more that this form is required.
If you're not a US citizen, you will not have a US social security number, so often, the casino will complete a Form 1042-S and take out the taxes you're responsible for from the total you're getting paid.
(And by the way - Uncle Sam thanks you in advance for your generous donation!)
What is a Currency Transaction Report?
This is a form that the casino is required to submit to the Treasury Department if you perform cash transactions of more than $10,000 within a gaming day at the casino.
You will be required to provide your social security number before you will be paid, or before you will be allowed to complete the transaction.
If you're not a US citizen, the casino will complete Form 1042-S instead of a CTR or W2-G.
Now, let's talk about a couple of questions that regularly come up with slot players:
What is the policy on saving a slot machine?
Generally, a casino will save a machine for a player for a short time. Allow a quick bathroom break, or a trip to an ATM may take a few minutes.
The higher the level of play, the more the casino will be willing to accommodate the player. You also need to factor in how busy the casino is.
On a Saturday at 10 pm, the casino is likely to be much less liberal with the time they can save a machine than at 4 am on a Wednesday.
Remember to cash out your credits before you leave.
What is the policy on playing two machines at once?
Most casinos will allow you to play two machines at once unless another player requests one of the machines you're playing or if the casino is crowded – in which case, you may be asked to give up one of the machines you're playing.
Slot Directors sometimes put two machines with the same theme together precisely so that a couple can sit together and play the same machines, or a player can play both simultaneously. Hence, it's not unusual to see people playing two machines with the same theme next to each other.
Learn how the payout system works
Some casinos set the machines to lock up and require a hand-paid jackpot at that amount.
Thus, the slot attendant has to interact with the player in their section.
Once they've paid the jackpot, the attendant plays off the jackpot combination and puts the game back into play.
But some casinos set the lock-up amount much lower – say as low as $500.
If you hit the jackpot at $550, the attendant still has to approach and greet the player and pay the jackpot, even though no Federal tax paperwork is required.
Why would they do that?
There are 2 reasons:
Our world today is high-tech without much human interaction, and we're trying to make it more 'high touch.'
The casino management knows that many of our players come to the casino for entertainment and to be around other people in a social setting because that is something they may not get away from the casino.
It's not just about trying to win a big jackpot.
Please Note
A large part of the entertainment factor when people come to the casino is the human interaction with the casino staff. The casino lowers the interaction threshold to $500 so that the interactions are far more numerous, which their customers like.
The other reason is that the players usually tip the slot attendants when they win a jackpot. The slot attendants will be tipped more often if the hand-paid jackpot occurs at $500 instead of $1,200. And that's good for the casino staff, as they make more tips and, ultimately, more money.
Here are a few of my recommendations for choosing the “best” slot machine for you:
Identify slot machines that suit your betting style and budget
Here are the typical hold percentages programmed into the machines across the slot floor.
| 
Denom | 
Hold % | 
RTP |
| 1 or 5c slot | 8% to 15% | 85%-92% |
| 25c slot | 5% to 10% | 90%-95% |
| $1 slot | 2% to 7% | 93%-98% |
| $5 and up | 0.5% to 3% | 97%-99.5% |
As you can see, the lower the denomination, the lower the RTP and the higher the hold percentage.
One of the things I remember my mentor telling me when I was learning how to be a Slot Director was, 'You can't make any money if your floor par is less than 7.5%. And that's the absolute minimum'.
Fun Fact
Floor par refers to the total average hold percentage on your casino floor. It's calculated by adding the hold percentage of all the machines of all denominations on the casino floor and then dividing that number by the total number of machines on the floor.
Setting goals for your slot play in Las Vegas
Some players like to "go for it" and send the money in, hoping for a big jackpot and not caring too much about how long they play if they have a good shot at a big win.
They're the very definition of "gamblers."
Other players like to have 'time on device' (TOD) or time in play, so they want the machine to pay them back small or medium amounts periodically but don't expect a big win.
Some players are somewhere between these two, like machines that will give them a bit of both – the excitement of a large win and having a good time on a slot machine.
Typically, the gamblers who prefer the high volatility games have a bigger budget than the 'Time on Device' (TOD) players.
The manufacturers know there are different types of players and make the games' software perform accordingly.
This is referred to as 'Slot Volatility.'
What is Slot Volatility?
The big picture is that there are 2 types of machines: the Reels (usually called Steppers in the business) and the Video Games.
All slot machines contain a sealed computer chip which determines how much that machine will pay back and how large or small the payoffs will be.
Let's take a simplified look at two fictitious $1 machines.
Both machines hold (let's make the math easy!) 5%, so offer a 'Return To Player' (RTP) of 95% (which is pretty close to the RTP that an actual $1 machine might offer).
Let's say each machine has Coin-In of (easy math!) $1,000,000 in one year; it should pay back 95% of the $1,000,000, which is $950,000.
Definition
Coin-In is the total of how much is bet on the machine over the year.
The 'River of Lava” machine is ideally suited to the player who wants to win many small or medium-sized payouts to keep them in action so they can play for a long time. This is the TOD player.
The "River of Lava," causes the machine to make
- Two jackpot payoffs of $25,000 each (total $50,000);
- 45,000 payoffs of $20 each (total $900,000);
- So a total of 45,002 winning payouts.
The 'Nine Dragons' machine is suited to the gambler willing to play without winning much along the way, hoping that he will eventually win 'the big one.'
The "Nine Dragons," causes the machine to make
- Nine jackpot payoffs of $100,000 each (total = $900,000);
- 10,000 smaller payoffs of $5 each (total $50,000);
- So a total of 10,009 winning payouts.
Both these machines pay back $950,000 over the year, but they will undoubtedly appeal to a different type of player.
Other machines offer a compromise between these two.
They are designed to attract the player who wants to compromise. They play a medium volatility machine that provides some opportunity to hit a large jackpot while still paying back some intermediate payouts.
Which type of slot player are you?
Suppose you are a gambler willing to put your bankroll into action, and it's often necessarily a pretty large bankroll to weather the times when you're not winning anything as you keep playing for the big jackpot.
In that case, you're more likely to want to play a $1, $5, or even $25, 3-reel Stepper or Reel machines.
These include the IGT Double Da Vinci Diamonds games, the Ainsworth Mustang Money 2 or Thunder Cash games, etc.
Suppose you like a lower volatility game that offers a longer TOD.
In that case, you're probably going to gravitate towards a 1 cent game, such as Aristocrat's Buffalo Gold games, Konami's Selexion multi-themed games, or Bally's 88 Fortunes games.
Games with many bonuses and free play rounds typically don't pay big jackpots. The machine funds the free play and bonuses by taking some of the credits available for payouts and thus reduces the amount available for jackpots and larger payouts.
Large multi-site progressives like MegaBucks or Wheel of Fortune will have a higher hold percentage (and a lower RTP) than a similar machine without the huge payoff.
The manufacturer owns these games and leases to the casino for a percentage of the coin-in or a 'per day' charge. When the huge jackpot hits, it's the manufacturer that pays it.
Consequently, the RTP is relatively low as a chunk of the revenue funds the huge jackpot. And it is enormous! For example, the MegaBucks jackpot starts at $10,000,000 and currently stands at $13,680,000.
Denominations in Slots
While discussing denominations, let's clear up a widely held falsehood.
A 1cent game may appear to be a cheap game to play, but the maximum coin-in on a penny game can be as high as 500 coins. So you just turned your 1-cent game into a $5 game. Yikes!
And as we discussed, it's better to play the maximum Coin-In when you can because the top payouts are usually only offered if you bet the maximum per spin – this is especially true if you're playing a progressive jackpot, a type of machine that offers an enormous jackpot that grows slowly over time with a meter that you can see grow.
Pro Tip #2
The big jackpot on a Progressive Jackpot is only paid if you're betting the maximum coins, so make sure you play maximum coins on this type of game because otherwise, you're funding the big jackpot for someone else to win it, with no chance of winning it yourself.
Often slot players will get comfortable with a game and 'zone out’.
They want to become immersed in their 'Dancing Drums' or 'Fu Lai Cai' game while away for an hour or two, away from the day-to-day problems and concerns that await them at home.
Before you do that, you need to make sure you're playing a game that is at least paying you back enough so you don't blow through your budget in a few minutes.
My recommendation
Don't be afraid to walk away and find another machine if the first one you play doesn't pay anything in the first few minutes.
I know that this flies in the face of the 'all machines are completely random, and there is no such thing as a cold (or hot) streak' that I truly believe.
But no need to be stubborn about it – find another game if the one you're playing isn't making you happy.
Fun Fact
The device on your slot machine where you put the money to play the machine is called a Bill Validator (BV). The Mars company initially invented one of the best BVs in use at many casinos in the US and worldwide. Yes, the same company that makes Mars bars and other candy.
What is your realistic budget?
It's important to remember that your gambling budget must be separate from the money you've reserved for food, lodging, and traveling home.
When I was a Shift Manager, I sometimes had a player who had spent all their money and couldn't get home.
They would ask if the casino could give them 'walking money,' which was usually enough to buy gas and perhaps a meal so they could get home.
It's too easy to get involved in a game and lose track of what you have budgeted.
Don't be that guy – it isn't enjoyable for you or the casino!
How much is your budget? How much are you planning on spending? Let's say your budget for gaming is $500 per day.
How will you play to ensure you don't go over your budget?
Pro Tip #3
First things first – take your ID. You'll need it if you hit the jackpot. But make sure to leave your debit card or credit card in the hotel room!
The average player can play about 8 to 12 spins a minute. If you've budgeted $500 daily, you can make a 50-cent bet 1,000 times daily. Or approximately 100 minutes of playing time *if you don't hit one winning bet*.
Of course, it's almost impossible not to hit a thing, so you can probably plan on playing for two or three hours or more, and if the slot gods are with you, you may come out way ahead.
If you assume that your machine of choice will return 90% (and there's no guarantee it will) as a conservative number, then the table below will give you some idea about how much you can bet for various budgets and scenarios.
| Slot Type | Bet |
| 1 line 25 cent slot, 1 coin/line bet | $62.50 |
| 30 line 1 cent slot, 1 coin/line bet | $75 |
| 1 line 25 cent slot, 1 coin/line bet | $187.50 |
| 1 line $1 slot, 1 coin/line bet | $250 |
| 20 line 5 cent slot, 1 coin/line bet | $250 |
| 30 line 1 cent slot, 5 coins/line bet | $375 |
| 1 line, $1 slot, 3 coins/line bet | $750 |
| 20 line 5 cent slot, 5 coins/line bet | $1250 |
Plan your day to allow for those two to three hours of play – possibly play for an hour, then go and have lunch.
Maybe go for a swim and then take a nap. Later, have dinner, go and see a show, and perhaps play for another hour or more after dinner.
Pro Tip #4
We all know that it's wise to know how much you're willing to lose and, once you get there, to quit.
Not everyone knows you must have an amount you're eager to win, too.
And when you get there, stop playing and cash out!
Pro Tip #5
You should reserve some time for 'people watching.'
It's pretty impressive what you will see in Las Vegas.
One time I was sitting in the lobby at The Imperial Palace, having an after-lunch cup of coffee, watching the world go by.
Two guys walked into the lobby from the valet parking area, and each had a full-grown white tiger on a leash.
Like it was no big deal.
I found out later that the tigers were the stars of the show opening in the showroom.
Welcome to Vegas, baby!
Key Takeaway
Take regular breaks to avoid getting too involved in playing.
I would sometimes see players play for many hours at a time.
They were so immersed in the game that they didn't eat, take a break, or even acknowledge anyone around them.
Plan on taking a break, having a cup of coffee, or meeting a friend for a drink.
There are some useful things to know about slot machines.
| 
Multiliner Increasing the bet buys an additional payline. | 
Hit frequency The number of times a slot hits a winning combo. |
| 
Multiplier Increasing the bet increases the possible payout. | 
Win frequency The number of spins between winning on a slot machine. |
| 
Buy-a-Pay Increasing the bet buys an additional symbol. | 
Scatter Pay Symbols that pay even if they aren't matched on a payline. |
Fun fact about Scatter Pay
Refers to a modern video slot machine’s pay structure. With dozens of pay lines there are dozens of ways to win on these machines.
The first time I played one, I hit an excellent juicy winning combination and asked the slot attendant how I'd won because I didn't know.
She told me she didn't know either!
This is a 1 cent 10-line video slot machine. It's not that complicated once you start to look it over. You can see the colored numbers on the sides that indicate the line numbers, and the solid colored lines indicate the symbols that each line covers.
At the bottom, it says that the player has covered the 10 lines, each with a 30 cent bet, so each spin played on this penny game costs $3.
With an average number of spins of 10 a minute, this bet will cost $30 a minute!
Make sure you know what you're betting on because it can get costly if you don't!
- Use your club card - it's worth it. There are many benefits to being a slot club member, and depending on which casino you're playing at, it can include free tournaments, free play, additional gifts, and other benefits.
- Play one machine at a time - It's OK to play two machines at a time, but if you double the number of machines you're playing, you halve the time you have to play.
- Learn more about slot machines - When it comes to gambling, knowledge is power. Even though slots are purely based on luck, you can always read slots guides to be prepared for any situation.
It used to be that casino designers thought that the best way to design the casino floor was to make it a chaotic mish-mash of slots and table games, with low ceilings and loud music to confuse the players so they couldn't leave.
Nowadays, the slot floor is an Aladdin's cave of flashing lights, lively music, machines designed to say 'play me' to you, and others that will say 'Play ME' to you.
The walkways are spacious, and the casino floor is bright, airy, and well-ventilated, with beautiful furnishings and fixtures.
The designers have spent millions of dollars to make the casino floor attractive and comfortable to you and have built-in small areas that are quiet and secluded while simultaneously seeming to be close to the action.
It is a great skill and can be summed up by this quote 'Slot players want to run away TO home.' I believe it was revolutionary casino designer David Kranes who said that, and it's undoubtedly true.
The players want to leave their problems at home and go somewhere they have all the comforts of home.
So try to find a casino where you feel comfortable and 'at home'.
The resorts on the Las Vegas Strip are huge, and the typical customer comes into town for a few days and then goes home.
Consequently, the slots on the retail floor of the Strip resorts are often set with a high hold. The high-limit rooms will have a lower hold to appeal to the high-end customers – it's a truism in the industry that 80% of the revenue comes from 20% of the customers, and 20% are the high rollers.
And, of course, the high-limit rooms are where the $5, $25, and $100 machines are, which always have a higher RTP and lower hold percentage.
Once you get away from the Strip, you will find the places where the locals play. The locals avoid the Strip like the plague – it's busy, the traffic is always tricky, and it takes forever to get from A to B.
So the locals don't go there.
They go to the places specifically put together to appeal to the locals, which offer good restaurants, nightclubs, easy parking, movie theaters, bowling alleys, swimming pools, and outside amenities.
But most of all, the local casinos offer better odds for the players.
My preferred places to go in Las Vegas to play are The Palazzo and Bellagio on the Strip; for off-strip fun, I like 'The Strat' (full transparency here – I was part of the opening corporate team of the Stratosphere way back when). I like the Red Rock Resort property out there in West Charleston.
Sam's Town on the 'Boulder Strip,' South Point, and The Gold Coast just off the Strip are all good value local casinos with a substantial variety of amenities and a good slot floor.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas is a unique city in the world.
The first time I visited, I worked as a craps dealer in Nassau in the Bahamas and flew in at night from Los Angeles.
I deliberately sat on the plane's left side, just in front of the wing, to have the best view of the city as the plane circled the airport, waiting to land.
And boy, was I rewarded!
It looked like someone had taken a big handful of jewels and scattered them over some black velvet.
It was fantastic.
It didn't hurt that I won $1,400 playing craps, which allowed me to extend my holiday and add three days in New York to my first visit to the USA.
Subsequently, I would drive to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, and at night you could see the city's lights lighting up the sky about twenty miles out.
In many ways, it's changed a lot since those days.
It's much more significant, and many more casinos have been built, of course, but the 'jewels on black velvet' vibe is still there.
And the lights over the horizon are more prominent and brighter now.
It's still a great city, reinventing itself over and over again.
Have a great time, take care of your budget, and spend your time not just on gambling but also sampling the shows, the restaurants, and the unique attractions Las Vegas offers.
And good luck!
Someone has to hit those enormous jackpots or play those advantage slots.
It may as well be you.
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