Slot Tips
Slots-Slots and More Slots
Last Updated (Friday, 25 June 2025 14:54)
In 1889 a young San Francisco mechanic named Charles Fey invented the first slot machine. This early "one-armed bandit' had hearts, spades and diamonds on its wheel instead of the cherries and fruit symbols we see today. This first slot was called the Liberty Bell and the big payoff, when three bells lined up, was ten nickels. Thousands of slot machined were built by Fey and distributed throughout the country. Fey split the profits fifty-fifty with the owners of the bars, clubs and casinos because he refused to sell the rights to his unique "money making" machine. However, many imitations began to appear after Herbert Miles of Illinois started making similar machines in 1907. Today there are 148,516 slot machines in the state of Nevada alone. There are thousands more in Atlantic City, on cruise ships, and in casinos throughout the world.
To see how far the slots have come, here are some statistics. As of January 1991, Nevada has 31,401 nickel machines, 82,260 quarter slots, 30,118 dollar machines, 1,325 five-dollar slots, plus 188 which can be played for $25 and 46 for $100. For your high rollers there are nine $500 machines in the state. If that doesn't fit you wallet, try one of the 139 penny slots still operating. Don't forget the 538 MEGABUCK slots which are tied together and have had payoffs of three to four million dollars. If you want to see the original Charles Fey machine, stop by the Liberty Bell restaurant on 4250 South Virginia Street in Reno where it is on display.
The Gaming Bulletin Volume I, Number 2
The Best Slot Machines
Last Updated (Friday, 25 June 2025 14:54)
Where are the best slot machines? Who knows which are the "loose" ones and which are the "tight" ones? In Atlantic City, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission requires all machines to return at least 83% of the amount wagered. Some even return more. However, in Nevada, one machine might payout 94%, while one right next to it will only payout 60%. Now, lets try and find out just which machines are the ones we are looking for. Experience tells us that the best paying machines are usually found to be around the third or fourth from the end of a busy aisle. Also, they will most likely be up front near a busy entrance. This is so more people will see and hear the payoffs. (You never hear bells ringing in the back, do you?) Many times you can ask someone where the winning slots are. Well, who do you ask WHY YOU ASK THE CHANGE GIRL OR GUY OF COURSE!
They know who needs more change (those playing "tight" slots) and they also know who gets the payoffs (those playing the winning slots). Sometimes they will tell you and some times they won't say, but when they do and you hit! be sure to remember to tip them. Try these ideas next time you are in a casino.
The Gaming Bulletin Volume I, Number 1
Playing the Slots
Last Updated (Friday, 25 June 2025 14:54)
They have the highest odds against a player. They make enough money to pay for all the overhead cost required to run a large, modern casino. The big payoffs are far and few, but people play the slot machines more than any other casino game. Can you bet the odds? The answer is sometimes! Try some of these moves and see if they help improve your win rate. First, find the casinos that advertise a pay out of 92% to 97% range. This still leaves the casino with a 3 to 8% profit, but that's all right with us. We want to start playing with the biggest percentage available. Second, play where it's busy, if you find a near deserted bank of machines, it's likely for a good reason. Players have left the "cold" machines and gone to livelier ones. Next, always play the maximum number of coins in a multi-coin machine. If you don't, you will only add to the house profit when a win appears. Fourth, set a strict budget for yourself. In addition, set a time limit for each session of play and only buy a limited number of coins - say, $20 or $25 in quarters. Also, don't play back any coins that drop into your tray.
When the coins that you started off with, say $20 for a machine, run out, take a count of what's in the tray. If you're behind, move on. Another good move is to play the three reel machines. There are 8,000 possible combinations on the three reels where as a four reel machine has 64 million combinations. Don't play the slots next to a winning one. Management usually places tight machines next to a loose one to help balance the casino payout. Look at the slots as fun games, not as money makers and you will be better off.
The Gaming Bulletin Volume II, Number 2
