Q:
Concerning the high-limit slot-play area, the Nevada Gaming Control Board sets the minimum rate of return on slot machines. Does the same machine in the high-limit room pay off at the same percentage rate as the same machine on the general floor? Do the machines in the high-limit room pay off at a better, same, or less of a percentage rate as opposed to the machines on the general floor?
A:
It's well-known that the higher the denomination of slot machine, the higher the return percentage. This makes mathematical sense; since these machines handle much larger action, they can be set at a lower hold. Look at it this way: It takes 20% of a quarter wager to return the same as 5% of a dollar wager.
Also, the slot payback statistics bear this out. For fiscal year 2018 in downtown Las Vegas, penny slots paid back on average 89.15%, nickel slots 93.40%, quarter slots 94.25%, and dollar slots 94.63%.
The same is true for the machines in the high-limit rooms. Between March and May 2019, statewide, $100 slots paid back 95.69%.
According to Michael Shackleford, The Wizard of Odds, "The machines in the high-limit areas have higher payback percentages than those on the floor."
We'd be inclined to agree, although comparisons are tough, since you won't find too many $25, $100, or $500 slot machines in the main casinos.
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