Billions from Slot Machines

It is a known fact that slot machines are the biggest money makers in any casino. This is why people fight so hard for them, as they know that if they bring them in the players will come. Not only will they come, but they will leave the majority of their money in the casino’s pockets.

Across the country, slot machines bring in more than $20 billion a year, more than any other form of gambling. Not only that, but they bring in more cash than movie tickets, retail book sales and specialty coffee.

The hold rate, the amount the casino keeps back, varies state per state, but they are all pretty much the same. You will find them averaging anywhere from 85% on up to 95+% for their payouts - it all depends on where you play. The amount of revenue brought in varies as well, as some states allow more slot machines to come in than others.

In Illinois, slot machines brought in 88% of their revenue from casinos to the tune of $1.7 billion. With Chicago being the third largest casino market in the country – behind Atlantic City and Las Vegas, you get an idea of what those powerhouses must bring in on their own.

Illinois’ slot machines must pay back at least 80% - or $0.80 per dollar. Some pay back more, but they all pay back at least that amount. From the gamblers’ perspective this is not a lot. Most slot machine players like to see a 5% hold which gives them $0.95 back per slot machine, which is pretty good.

 

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