Slot machines come in many forms. In most casino jurisdictions, the devices are slots, video poker, and electronic table games. However, in states where casino gambling is illegal, operators find ways around those laws through creativity under existing laws. In some cases, it is done with the blessing of a racing or lottery commission. In others, it operates in an unchallenged gray area.
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Casino slot machines
The most common type of slot machines are traditional ones found in casinos. These are video slots with multiple progressives and bonus rounds. The games are usually called penny slots even though the games are available in all denominations. All reels are on a video screen. There are often multiple progressive jackpots, like minor, major, and grand. Most other significant wins come from bonus rounds. Some spins return less than the bet amount. Video slots usually offer the lowest return in the casino.
Reels are the other common type of slot machine. There is no video screen. There are usually three reels and one payline. Some have five reels and multiple paylines. Reel slots tend to return slightly more than video slots. If there is one payline, all wins are higher than the bet amount.
The return on video slots is usually around 90%. Reels return a few percentage points more.
Video poker and electronic table games tend to be reported under slots by gaming commissions. However, most players do not consider the machines to be the same.
Online slots
Online slots are like the video ones found in casinos. There are usually multiple paylines and low denominations. Bonus rounds and several progressives are often available at online slots. In many cases, the same titles are available at live and online casinos. However, there are several differences.
At online casinos, there are usually more denominations available than just pennies. Another advantage Online slots have over live ones is the return. Internet slot games tend to return 94% up to 98%. The house advantage at live slots is at least double, often triple or more, of online slots.
Video bingo machines
Video bingo machines look and play just like slots. These games are found at a handful of tribal casinos. Traditional slot algorithms are not used. Instead, the device runs a bingo game in the background. The slot symbols are displayed in a way that resembles the payout of how quickly the bingo card filled in winning combinations.
This is done in states where charitable bingo with automatic daubers is legal but slot machines are not. It is permitted on reservations under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in that scenario. Alabama greyhound tracks used this loophole for more than a decade before the state won at its Supreme Court when this form of gaming outside reservations was deemed illegal gambling.
Historical horse racing
Like video bingo, historical horse racing machines are a way around bans on slots. The difference is that historical horse racing devices are often approved by racing commissions and state legislatures. Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Virginia, and Wyoming, are examples of states where these games are legal with the backing of state law. Idaho once legalized the games, only to quickly repeal the law.
Historical horse racing machines use past races to determine winners. The games often have familiar slot titles and look no different. Players can watch the race on a monitor if they choose. However, most play the games like slots. The difference is indistinguishable.
Online lottery instant games
Many state lotteries have online instant games that play like scratch-off tickets. The player hopes to uncover matching winning symbols. The rules show all winning combinations. The player may scratch the virtual ticket boxes one by one for suspense purposes or all at once to speed up the game.
There are several differences between these types of online slots and other ones. The random number generator works differently. At online lottery instant games, the random number generator picks a ticket from the pool. That ticket has a predetermined payout. There are only so many of each prize available. Players can view all outstanding prize combinations in the rules. Traditional online slots use a random number generator to determine the reels. There are no predetermined outcomes. Online slots are random with every spin.
Online lottery games have poor returns. The payback percentages are around 70%. Live slots return about 90% to players. It is around 95% for online ones.
Another drawback of online lottery games is that players must be residents of the state that operates it. Visitors may not play these games. This is a requirement under federal law. Online casinos with slots accept players located within the state where they operate. There are no residency requirements. This is also true of online sportsbooks.
Video poker
While called a slot by most gaming commissions and casinos, video poker is usually thought to be its own type of game. Players receive five cards in video poker. The player has the option to hold or discard any or all of them. The goal is to get the best possible poker hand. Payouts usually start at a pair of jacks. The jackpot hand is usually a royal flush, which may offer a progressive meter.
Electronic table games
Like video poker, electronic table games are considered slot machines by the gaming industry but are much different. An electronic table game resembles one found in the pit. For example, video blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette, are all electronic table games. Chips, dice, wheels, and cards are replaced by screens depicting these items. A random number generator is used to determine outcomes.
