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Slots
casinoCasino games where players spin reels and win based on symbol combinations. They have some of the highest house edges in the casino.
Key Takeaways
- 1Slots have 5-15% house edge — highest in the casino
- 2Fast pace makes them extremely expensive per hour
- 3Every spin is independent — no machine is 'due'
- 4Set strict loss limits and treat as entertainment
What are Slots?
Slot machines are the most popular casino games, generating more revenue than all table games combined. Players insert money, spin the reels, and win based on symbol combinations determined by a random number generator (RNG).
The Math
| Metric | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| House edge | 5-15% |
| RTP (Return to Player) | 85-95% |
| Volatility | Low to Very High |
| Spins per hour | 600-1,200 |
Why Slots Are Expensive
The combination of high house edge and fast pace makes slots the most expensive game in the casino:
- $1/spin, 800 spins/hour, 10% house edge:
- Theoretical loss = $1 × 800 × 0.10 = $80/hour
Compare to blackjack at $25/hand, 60 hands/hour, 0.5% edge:
- Theoretical loss = $25 × 60 × 0.005 = $7.50/hour
Common Myths
- "This machine is due" — Each spin is independent. The RNG has no memory.
- "Hot/cold machines" — Machines don't run in cycles.
- "Playing max bet increases RTP" — Sometimes true on older machines, rarely on modern ones.
- "Casino can flip a switch" — RTP is set by the manufacturer and regulated.
If You Play Slots
- Set a strict loss limit before you start
- Choose higher denomination machines (they typically have higher RTP)
- Understand that slots are entertainment, not an investment
- Never chase losses