Did you know there are over 42,000 slot machines in Las Vegas casinos? This translates to about 60% of Las Vegas casinos’ revenue, proving that the biggest winnings in casinos come from slot machines. The highest slot jackpot ever recorded was $39.7 million in 2003 at Excalibur Casino.
With all the excitement, wishes, and lucky fingers, you are probably here wondering how you can become one of the lucky few to win it big at the slots. Picking the perfect venue and then the perfect slot is daunting, and we are here to lessen that burden.
Since there are literally thousands of machines to choose from, it is best you look at how to find a good slot machine in any casino, regardless of location and offerings.
Read on to learn what makes for the best slot machines, including the jackpots, multipliers, venue, timing, and other bonus features. Get to know the best popular slot machines that pay out big.
What Makes The Best Slot Machines?
1. The Perfect Venue
It is a common belief that the best casinos for spending less and earning more are off the Strip, in places like Fremont and other Downtown locations. However, slot machines are different.
With over 120,000 slots across Nevada, the variety is a lot and evenly distributed.
However, if you want the best odds, then Reno, Boulder Area, and North Las Vegas slot casinos have been consistently earning players more money than other regions in the city. Reno with 94.2% average win for players, Boulder with 93.27%, and North Las Vegas with 92.54%; this is more than Strip & Downtown, with less than 92%.
2. The Perfect Time to Play
Many believe casinos tend to get tighter on busier hours, days, and events to make bigger profits. With that in mind, the most profitable times for players and enthusiasts are around 8 pm – 5 am since it is not in the bustling wake of the day when many casinos are tighter with their slots.
3. High RTP (Return to Player) Slots
The RTP is the percentage of wagered money a slot machine is programmed to pay back to players over time, typically displayed as a percentage. It represents the average amount returned to players from the total amount wagered.
Nevada has a 75% minimum Return to Player (RTP) according to Nevada’s Gaming Control Board, which states.
Therefore, an RTP of 75% means the machine, on average, pays back $75 for every $100 wagered. The good news is even the lowest-performing slots usually pay more than 85%.
Before you commence playing, it is best you select a game with a substantial RTP percentage by looking at the RTP % provided by the casino online.
Also, look at the pay table, which shows how much each symbol is worth that way, you know which symbols are more lucrative and whether there are any wild cards.
4. High Roller/Variance Slots
According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the best win percentages come from high-roller slots like the ones that accept higher denominations, including $5, $25, and $100. Their returns are higher, upwards of $94.05% for every $100 spent.
You are likelier to lose faster with these slots, but you will also get a better payout percentage when you max the amount on each spin.
5. High Volatility
A slot machine with high volatility means less frequent payouts but higher-value payouts when you win.
While they may result in more frequent losses or smaller wins, they also present the opportunity for substantial jackpot prizes. This is appealing to many players willing to take on higher risks in exchange for winning larger, life-changing amounts.
6. Jackpots
Some slot machines offer progressive jackpots, which increase over time as players make bets. These jackpots can reach substantial amounts and are awarded to lucky players who hit a specific combination or fulfill certain requirements.
Go to slots with smaller jackpots since they tend to pay out more frequently. Higher jackpots are great but much harder to win, making their payouts rare and far in between.
7. Bonus Features
Slot machines that allow for free spins are great for practicing. It is fun and gives you the chance to get better at the game and learn a few secrets.
Bonus rounds are also common in some machines giving you more chances to hone your skills.
Slot machines with multipliers are harder to win but give you a better chance at winning big. You lose more, but it is all worth it when you win.
9 Best Slot Machines To Play In Vegas
The house always wins! But you should still get to bring a good chunk of that win back home.
It is intriguing to note that by analyzing the earnings of slot machines and how much profit they make the casinos, it becomes possible to estimate the amount won by players. This knowledge allows us to determine the most favorable types of slot machines for those who would like to visit and play.
Please keep in mind that you will need to play a lot over time to perceive the benefits of these profitable slot machines.
So, based on the Nevada statewide slot machine winnings of casinos and the gaming revenue in 2022 ($10 billion) and 2021 ($9.2 billion), here are the best slot machines to play:
1. Nickel Slots
In 2022, Nickel slots recorded a 5.09% win for the house, translating to about 94.91% win for the players. That means these slots are among the most profitable, and add that to the fact that nickel slots are easy to play, affordable, and carry lower risk, then you have yourself a hard contender to beat.
However, it is important to note that nickel slots are among the rarest of the bunch, with just 932 nickel slots in operation in 2022. This is a dwindling number compared to the 1035 that were in operation in 2021.
Even though nickel Slots in Vegas have the most fruitful odds per cost, they are harder to find hence are usually occupied where you find them. Good preparation and foresight are important for these slots.
2. Higher Roller Slots
In 2022, the $5 slot machines gave casinos 5.46% wins and gamblers 94.54% making them the second most profitable slots in Las Vegas. They are also among the best slots since their profits barely dip from year to year. For example, in 2021, wins were 5.48% for the casinos and 94.52% for players.
Other higher roller slots, like the $10 and $100 slot machines, also performed well, giving players an RTP of about 93 – 94%.
3. Higher Jackpot Slots
- E.g.: Mega Moolah, Double Jackpot Slots, Megabucks
Mega Moolah is one of the most popular slot games in the world. The minimum jackpot win is $1 million, which means that even if you win once in your entire gameplay, you get to be a millionaire in just an instance.
Slot machines with big jackpot prices like these ones make them very ideal for someone looking to make a lot of money. However, keep in mind that you will probably lose a lot of money and time before you hit the jackpot.
Another great jackpot slot is the Double Jackpot, a classic and simple slot game with pictures of bells, bars, cherries, 7’s, and all the bells and whistles that are reminiscent of traditional slot machines. The odds are good, and winning is straightforward with a jackpot of $50,000 or more.
Megabucks has recorded previous winnings of more than $4, $20, and $39 million across various casinos. These are slots where you only need to win once.
4. Progressive & Multiplier Slots
- E.g.: Mega Moolah, Megabucks, Fu Dao Le, Piggy Bankin
Numerous traditional games provide impressive player return rates even with jackpots, yet they fall short of the life-altering sums occasionally won by fortunate gamblers through progressive jackpots.
Mega Moolah, albeit a jackpot magnet, is also a progressive jackpot slot machine where the progressive jackpot grows as players from multiple casinos contribute to the prize pool, making it incredibly enticing for those seeking significant winnings. A notable win in Mega Moolah was in 2015, when a player won a whopping $18 million.
Fu Dao Le offers you 243 ways to win with traditional old-school Chinese symbolism. It is not only a fun game to play but also offers free tries and multipliers.
5. Popular Slots and Classics
- E.g.: Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Grand
Slot machines get popular only if they are fun and profitable. If you walk into a casino and see many people playing the classics like Wheel of Fortune and Buffalo Grand, then you know you will make a few bucks from them.
Wheel of Fortune is not only a popular slot game but also a progressive game with higher payouts compared to penny slots.
Buffalo Grand is another popular choice, with the highest recorded player wins of $1.39 million in 2021.
6. High Volatility Slots
E.g., Triple Red Hot 7’s, Diamond Queen
Diamond Queen is a 5 x 3 slot classic game that is known for its high RTP percentages, usually more than 94%, as well as its high volatility. The bonus hit frequency is low, meaning you won’t get the bonus often, but since it is a progressive game, you stand higher chances if you continue playing.
Some players find a sense of satisfaction in taking on the challenge of high-volatility slots. The pursuit of elusive big wins can be psychologically rewarding, creating a sense of accomplishment when they finally hit a substantial payout.
Triple Red Hot 7’s is another slot machine that is popular because when you win, it is usually in large amounts.
8. Entertaining Slots
- E.g.: Penny Slots & Heidi’s Bier Haus
Penny slots take the most from players.
2022 recorded an RTP of less than 90.19%, 9.81% wins for the casino, and the highest house wins in all slot machines. That is why penny slots are everywhere.
The Control Board recorded there are over 47,000 penny slots in Nevada in 2022 which made casinos over $3 billion. They make the best bucks for casinos compared to others like nickel slots which only made casinos a little over $42 million in the same year.
So, why are penny slots on this list of best slot machines in Vegas? Well, it is because they are plain fun.
Even though penny slots have the worst win percentages, they are cheaper to play. With just a penny, you can play on any of the slots, which makes for good cheap fun.
Heidi’s Bier Haus is another popular fantastic slot game that has some of the freest tries for training and entertainment. With up to 100 free spins, Heidi’s Bier Haus offers you a chance to just sit and relax and get to know the fun side of slots.
Sometimes you want to start with training wheels or just goof around. Penny and Heidi’s Bier Haus slots are the perfect machines if that is what you are looking for.
9. Loosest Slots
The concept of ‘loose slots’ is one shrouded in myths, debates, and misconceptions. A loose slot is a belief that some slots are more likely to pay out winnings more than others as you continue to play.
However, since slot machines are under strict regulations, it is harder to see why gamblers firmly cling to the idea. Some say it is because casinos are flexible in adjusting payout percentages, but again, this is always in a given regulated range.
For those who believe in loose slots, Reno, Boulder Area, and North Las Vegas have been said to be the best places for the largest payday. Downtown is said to be tighter than Strip slot casinos.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Slot Machines Pay the Best in Vegas?
Higher roller slots like the $5 slots and multi-denomination slots like the $10 and $100 have the highest payout in Vegas. This is the opposite of penny slots that have the lowest payouts.
Multiplier, progressive, large jackpot, and high volatility machines are also better payers. Examples include Diamond Queen, Monte Carlo, Buffalo Grand, Double Jackpot Lion Share, Mega Moolah, and Piggy Bankin.
What Is the Best Slot Casino in Las Vegas?
There is no single best slot casino in Las Vegas. Strip and Downtown casinos have the greatest number of slots under one roof, making them the most fun, but you are also more likely to lose. For the most enjoyable time, go for Strip and Downtown casinos, but not for wins.
The best slot casinos, in terms of likelihood to win, are located in Reno, Boulder Area, and North Las Vegas. These include Boulder Station, Sunset Station, M Resort, Sam’s Town, Arizona Charlies, Jerry’s Nugget, Texas Station,
Which Slot Machines Are Most Likely to Win?
The slot machines with the highest likelihood of winning are those with a higher Return to Player (RTP). Take a look at the casino’s online chart of slot machine RTPs to know which games to prioritize for the most likely wins.
Final Thoughts
It is important to note that slot machines are designed to be entertaining, and winning is based on luck rather than skill.
With that in mind, ensure you can set your limits on your gambling budget, know when to stop, and never chase losses. Slot machines, like any form of gambling, should be enjoyed responsibly.