Most slots in Nevada are calibrated between an 85% and 98% payout rate, which is why players always talk about machines that are “looser” or “tighter.” (Although, the idea of a dial that can be quickly turned is a fallacy-recalibration is a multi-hour process that requires a computer technician and reporting to the state.) Another factor that helped boost slot revenue is that the average payback rate in the Silver State got tighter, not looser, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
“It’s just odds bearing themselves out there’s always going to be an outlier. “There’s no such thing as a hot machine or cold machine-it’s all variance,” says Andrews, who is also the cofounder of Unabated, which sells tools and resources to sports bettors. So while the machine is theoretically paying out more money, the odds are always in the house’s favor. By regulation, a Nevada casino must have a theoretical payout of at least 75%-meaning for every $1 wagered, a player can expect to make back at least 75 cents on average-but the average rate is closer to the low 90% range. While slots have some of the best odds in a casino, sharp gamblers understand that the pay rate for them means very little. Harry Benson/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images And the Beatles could afford to lose a few pounds. All You Need Is Luck: Slots are now designed to be far more addictive than when the Beatles took one for a spin in 1964.
