Slot Machines

Slot machines are coin-operated machines that have three or more reels, which spin when an operator pulls a lever on the side of the machine.

The reels have brightly-colored symbols on them such as fruit, bells, numbers or diamonds. When the spinning reels come to a stop, payouts can occur for certain arrangements of the symbols displayed; for example if three 7s line up next to each other. The payout usually takes the form of coins tumbling out.

The hope of the player is that the machine will pay out more coins than are put in. Although this can happen over certain short intervals, over the long term the machines always pay out less than was inserted.

Slot machines are typically programed to pay out as winnings between 82 and 98 percent of the money played. Atlantic City machines, by law, must pay out a minimum of 78 percent of the money wagered. According to an analysis by Spectrum Gaming Group, quoted on "The Morning Call" in January 2008, the average payout rate for NJ slot machines is 91.53 percent.

There are both Straight and Progressive slot machines. The straight slot machine has a set payout schedule that never changes. On a Progressive slot machine, the payout steadily increases the longer it is played until someone wins it all. It then is reset to its starting value.

Slot machines are sometimes called one-arm bandits, because of their ability
to leave the player penniless. The machines were originally all mechanical, but most have been replaced by computer-controlled machines. But the basic play has remained the same.

Slot machines have much appeal because they can be played at the pace of the player, and they don't require skill. Playing slot machines should be considered entertainment. If you think of them this way, you will not be disappointed if you don't always win.

Casinos originally introduced slot machines as a way to keep wives and girl friends occupied while the men folk gambled at the gaming tables. Today, slot machines are the most popular gambling method, and are responsible for about 70 percent of the casino's income.

All the Atlantic City casinos have large numbers of slot machine on their casino floors, as shown by the table below.

Slot Machines per Casino

Atlantic City Casino	Number of Slot Machines
Bally's	5185
Borgata	4000
Caesars	3184
Harrah's	3816
Hilton	2302
Resorts	2657
Showboat	3584
Tropicana	3507
Trump Marina	1950
Trump Plaza	2137
Trump Taj Mahal	3508

Which Casinos in the U.S. Have the Most Slot Machines?
Answer: Connecticut Casinos - See Table Below.

Slot Machines per Casino

Casino	Number of Slot Machines
Bally's, Atlantic City	5185
Foxwoods MGM Grand, CT	8600
Mohegan Sun, CT	6200
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas	1446
MGM Grand, Las Vegas	2523
Bellagio, Las Vegas	2420

Monopoly Slot Machines

Monopoly Slot Machines use graphics and symbols from the popular Monopoly board game. However like all other slot machine games, the Monopoly slot machine games run on a random number generator just like every other slots game, so no amount of strategizing, wagering fluctuations, or bankroll management is ever going to alter the house edge in your favor.

The only strategy that works for Monopoly slots, or any other slots is: Don't play with money you can't afford to lose.