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No other segment of the gaming industry has benefited more from the technology revolution than the slot machine. Once considered the ugly stepdaughter placed on the gaming floor to appease the spouses of table players, the slot machine has been transformed into the fairy princess of the gaming world. With her, she has brought a dowry of riches no one would have imagined for the casino and a few lucky players as well. Over twenty years ago the slot machine accounted for 30 percent of the casinos' profits. Today it accounts for about 70 percent. Computer technology and the ability to play with little to no gambling knowledge makes it possible to offer life-changing jackpots big enough to turn a pauper into a king.
The machine is the oldest three-reeled slot on the MGM gaming floor and has the highest level of 'occupancy,' or daily time played, of all 1,900 of the casino's machines, Justin Andrews, the MGM's.
However, the fact that it doesn't take much gambling knowledge to play means that most people don't understand the inner working of the slots -- which makes it easy to explain a loss or a win with some false logic. Like any other 'wives tales' these are passed from person to person until they become gospel. Most of these myths and misconceptions are harmless but they can add to your frustration and take away some of the enjoyment of your casino visit. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular myths and the truth behind them.
Myth #1
Someone hit a jackpot on the machine you just left -- so you would have won that jackpot if you kept playing.
This is probably one of the most common notions about slot machine gambling -- but it's patently false. The slot machines have a computer chip inside that runs the Random Number Generator (RNG). The RNG is continuously cycling through numbers even when the machine is not being played. These numbers correspond to the stops on the wheel that display the winning or losing symbols that you see when the reels stop. When you hit the spin button or pull the handle, the RNG picks the combination at that given microsecond. If you had stayed at the machine, it is highly unlikely that you would have stopped the RNG at the exact nano-second to display that same combination of numbers. In the time it takes to talk with a friend or sip your drink the RNG has cycled through thousands of combinations.
Myth #2
You can tell the odds of winning by counting the symbols on each wheel.
Actually, you can't. The RNG generates a number for each spin. There can be hundreds of virtual stops on each wheel even though you only see a few symbols. For example, you may see 20 symbols on each wheel of a three-reel machine. You figure 20 x 20 x 20 = 8,000 combinations and your chance of hitting the jackpot is 1 in 8000. In reality, the computer chip may program 256 stops for each wheel which makes the odds 256 x 256 x 256 =16,777,216 combinations. Being able to generate millions of combinations is the reason that slots can offer large paybacks.
Myth #3
Casinos can loosen or tighten the slot machines with the flip of a switch.
In actuality, the slot machines have a computer chip in them that determines the payback percentage. These are preset at the factory. In order for a casino to change the payback, they would have to change the chip. In most jurisdictions, there is paperwork that has to be filled and submitted to the Casino Control Commission for each machine if the chip is changed. It's time-consuming and the chips are very expensive. For this reason, it is more economical to decide on the payback percentages before purchasing the machines and having the factory ship them with the proper chip.
Myth #4
A machine that has not been paying out is due to hit.
There is no way to determine if a machine is due to hit. Each spin is a random occurrence and has no bearing on what has happened previously. Don't ever play more than you should because of this misconception -- it will be devastating to your bankroll if you do.
Myth #5
The temperature of the coins played will affect the way a machine pays.
Unfortunately, the machine is not affected by temperature. It doesn't matter if you play hot, cold, old or new coins. The coin slot is a mechanical device and has no feeling.
Myth #6
Most Expensive Slot Machine In The World
If you use your slot club card the machine will pay back less.
This may well be the most damaging myth of them all. There is no link between the card reader and the RNG, but by not using your player's card you are denying yourself valuable comps and sometimes cash back from the casino.
A slot machine will often have three or more reels or a video screen, which is spun when either the slot lever is pulled or a button is pushed.
How much does a slot machine cost?
On average, plan on spending anywhere from $200 for a novelty slot machine to as much as $3,000 for a higher-end model of a working slot machine, similar to the ones you see in a professional casino. This would be the price for those who are interested in buying a second-hand slot machine for their own entertainment purposes at home.
However, if you’re talking about what a casino pays for a slot machine, the costs could be much more. Experts have noted official casino slot machines can cost as much as $20,000. For instance, this article claims that Bally sells its machines for $9,671 each. The costs, in the end, will come down to the manufacturer, the quality of the hardware, the intellectual property it represents and title. Calvinayre.com, on the other hand, says the average IGT game sold for $13,000 in 2013, while another manufacturer, Multimedia Games, received over $18,000, on average, from its machines.
What People Play The Slot Machines
Gambler’s Paradise, a slot machine retailer located in Ohio, lists close to 50 slot machines, ranging from $600 to $3,000+
Refer to our table below to see what you may pay for a slot machine in working order on the second-hand market:
| Type of Slot Machine | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Antique/Vintage Slot Machine | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Bally Slot Machines | $125 to $800 |
| IGT Game King | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| IGT Slot Machines | $400 to $700 |
| Jennings Slot Machines | $1,600 to $3,200 |
| Video Slot Machines | $400 to $1,600+ |
| Williams Slot Machines | $650 to $2,000+ |
Slot machine overview
Generally, there are two common types of slot machines: a mechanical and computerized. When slot machines first hit the market, all were mechanical, operating gears and levels. Eventually, as the time when on, these gears were replaced with an electric slot machine which used motors and solenoids to run the gears. Today, most slot machines will use a computer to general a random number to generate the slot machine’s outcome.
Retailers often include a limited warranty, which often lasts up to a year,
What are the extra costs?
Repairs, depending on how much the slot machine is going to be used, needs to be factored in. Some machines can be more difficult to repair, whereas some machines will rely on a battery, which, over time, will need to be replaced as well. Even if the machine isn’t used for a long period of time, the battery may need to be replaced.
A common problem for slot machine owners, according to this eBay guide, is a lost door key. If this were to happen, you will either need to hire a locksmith, purchase a new one for $20 or so or learn how to drill and barrel the locks.
Due to the size of a slot machine, freight shipping charges may apply.
Tips to know
There are legal implications if you’re thinking about buying a slot machine. In 41 states, it is legal to own a used slot machine, but in nine states: Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennesse and Wisconsin, it is 100 percent illegal. In 17 states, there will be a law that the slot machine must be, at a minimum, 25 years old. With all of that being said, check your state laws to make sure it’s legal to own.
How can I save money?
If you do not mind buying used, this can save you upwards of at least 50 percent. Try to explore the used inventory before buying new.
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