By John Grochowski
Order the 2020 American Casino Guide HERE Below is a list of all casino coupons from the 2020 American Casino Guide. All coupons expire in late December, 2020. Bold Italicized offers are new, or changed, from the 2019 guide. Please note that due to the COVID-19 crisis there have been ongoing changes to the coupons offered in the book. Click here to see a full list of slot machine payback statistics for all Nevada casinos. Planning a visit to Nevada casinos? For Nevada tourism information call (800) 237-0774 or go to: travelnevada.com. Also, be sure to download the FREE American Casino Guide. The total of all money won by the casino at all electronic gaming devices - including video poker, video keno and video blackjack as well as slot machines - is divided by the total number of wagers at those games. Multiplied by 100, that gives us a casino hold percentage. Subtract that from 100, and you have the payback percentage to players. The 2021 American Casino Guide provides casino-goers with money-saving, detailed information that can be helpful for both seasoned casino veterans, as well as first-time casino visitors. It even provides actual slot machine payback percentages for every state's casinos. Steve has more than 40 years of experience in the gambling industry. Shares detailed, money-saving information for beginner through veteran casino enthusiasts on more than 750 casino/resorts, riverboats and Native American casinos in 41 states, providing play strategies, state maps, slot-machine-payback percentages and more than $1,000 in casino coupons.
Maggie is a friend of a friend of my wife’s, someone I met at as holiday party when someone told her I was just the person she needed to talk to about slotmachines.
“Tell me how to win,” she said, and I laughed. That’s the most common request I get about slot machines, and it’s one I can’t fulfill. There’s nothing you can do to change the resultsdetermined by a machine’s random number generator.
“All right then. Tell me something. I was in a casino last week, and they had a sign up that said ‘Our slots pay back 93 percent.’ Does that mean every machine pays 93 percent?”
No, it doesn’t, I told her. Each casino has a wide range of payback percentages within its game mix. By and large, higher denominations givemore money back to players --- dollar machines pay more than quarters which pay more than nickels which pay more than pennies.
Even within the same denomination, there’s room for a range of paybacks. In a casino whose nickel games return 89 percent of money wagered to players, there’s likely to be games that pay inexcess of 90 percent, and games that pay 85 or 86 percent.
For that matter, it’s possible for games of the same denomination and theme to have different payback percentages. A quarter Red, White and Blue machine that returns 93 percent could sit rightnext to one that returns 89 percent. That’s not as common as it once was, but the game chips to make that possible are available to casinos.
“So if there are all those different paybacks, how can they say, ‘Our slots pay back 93 percent’? Where does that come from?”
That depends. Was it a plaque on a wall somewhere? Was it a sign over a particular bank of machines?
“It was on a wall, not really next to any particular games.”
OK, I’ve seen that in a few casinos, but not everywhere. It’s a casino-wide average. The total of all money won by the casino at all electronic gaming devices --- including video poker, videokeno and video blackjack as well as slot machines --- is divided by the total number of wagers at those games. Multiplied by 100, that gives us a casino hold percentage. Subtract that from 100,and you have the payback percentage to players.
For example, if $1 million is wagered on a casino’s electronic gaming devices, and the casino keeps $70,000, dividing that $70,000 by $1 million give you .07, which multiplied by 100 tells usthe casino kept 7 percent of all wagers. Subtract that from 100, and we find that 93 percent of money wagered has been returned to players. That’s the payback percentage.
“But not every machine is paying 93 percent?”
Right. Some payback percentages will be in the 80s. Some will be in the high 90s. Most will be in between. Most of the low-denomination slots will pay less than 93 percent. Most of thehigh-denomination games will pay more. But the casino-wide average in the casino where Maggie plays will come to 93 percent. Other casinos will have their own averages.
“I don’t suppose you could tell me how to tell which games have the better paybacks.”
I’m afraid not. Two slot machines that look identical on the outside can have different payback percentages.
She sighed.
“Oh well. Trial and error it is. At least keep your fingers crossed for a jackpot for me, will you?”
Will do.
“Tell me how to win,” she said, and I laughed. That’s the most common request I get about slot machines, and it’s one I can’t fulfill. There’s nothing you can do to change the resultsdetermined by a machine’s random number generator.
“All right then. Tell me something. I was in a casino last week, and they had a sign up that said ‘Our slots pay back 93 percent.’ Does that mean every machine pays 93 percent?”
No, it doesn’t, I told her. Each casino has a wide range of payback percentages within its game mix. By and large, higher denominations givemore money back to players --- dollar machines pay more than quarters which pay more than nickels which pay more than pennies.
Even within the same denomination, there’s room for a range of paybacks. In a casino whose nickel games return 89 percent of money wagered to players, there’s likely to be games that pay inexcess of 90 percent, and games that pay 85 or 86 percent.
For that matter, it’s possible for games of the same denomination and theme to have different payback percentages. A quarter Red, White and Blue machine that returns 93 percent could sit rightnext to one that returns 89 percent. That’s not as common as it once was, but the game chips to make that possible are available to casinos.
“So if there are all those different paybacks, how can they say, ‘Our slots pay back 93 percent’? Where does that come from?”
That depends. Was it a plaque on a wall somewhere? Was it a sign over a particular bank of machines?
“It was on a wall, not really next to any particular games.”
OK, I’ve seen that in a few casinos, but not everywhere. It’s a casino-wide average. The total of all money won by the casino at all electronic gaming devices --- including video poker, videokeno and video blackjack as well as slot machines --- is divided by the total number of wagers at those games. Multiplied by 100, that gives us a casino hold percentage. Subtract that from 100,and you have the payback percentage to players.
For example, if $1 million is wagered on a casino’s electronic gaming devices, and the casino keeps $70,000, dividing that $70,000 by $1 million give you .07, which multiplied by 100 tells usthe casino kept 7 percent of all wagers. Subtract that from 100, and we find that 93 percent of money wagered has been returned to players. That’s the payback percentage.
“But not every machine is paying 93 percent?”
Right. Some payback percentages will be in the 80s. Some will be in the high 90s. Most will be in between. Most of the low-denomination slots will pay less than 93 percent. Most of thehigh-denomination games will pay more. But the casino-wide average in the casino where Maggie plays will come to 93 percent. Other casinos will have their own averages.
“I don’t suppose you could tell me how to tell which games have the better paybacks.”
I’m afraid not. Two slot machines that look identical on the outside can have different payback percentages.
She sighed.
“Oh well. Trial and error it is. At least keep your fingers crossed for a jackpot for me, will you?”
Will do.
Maggie was asking about a sign that listed a casino-wide average, but sometimes you’ll see a sign over a bank of machines that says, “95 percent payback,” or “Up to 98 percent payback.”
Such signs refer specifically to that bank of machines. If it’s specific, with no qualifiers, such as “95 percent payback,” most states require that all machines in the bank be programmed for95-percent return. There’s room for some short-term variation. If you sit down at a 95-percent machine and have a cold streak, running through a hundred bucks with zero return, there is norequirement that the next player get back 190 percent to even things out. Over time, with enough play, your cold streak will simply fade into statistical insignificance, overwhelmed by theresults of hundreds of thousands of reel spins.
Conversely, if you hit a big jackpot, there is no requirement that the machine then go ice cold to get down to the 95 percent target. The machine will keep operating as normal, and over timeyour jackpot will be overwhelmed by hundreds of thousands of plays and fade into statistical insignificance.
When the sign does have a qualifier, such as “Up to 98 percent payback,” then let the player beware. At least one machine in the bank is likely to be a 98-percenter, but others can be lower.Not all states permit such fudging, and this ploy isn’t as common as it was a decade ago, but when you see it, be wary.
Such signs refer specifically to that bank of machines. If it’s specific, with no qualifiers, such as “95 percent payback,” most states require that all machines in the bank be programmed for95-percent return. There’s room for some short-term variation. If you sit down at a 95-percent machine and have a cold streak, running through a hundred bucks with zero return, there is norequirement that the next player get back 190 percent to even things out. Over time, with enough play, your cold streak will simply fade into statistical insignificance, overwhelmed by theresults of hundreds of thousands of reel spins.
Conversely, if you hit a big jackpot, there is no requirement that the machine then go ice cold to get down to the 95 percent target. The machine will keep operating as normal, and over timeyour jackpot will be overwhelmed by hundreds of thousands of plays and fade into statistical insignificance.
When the sign does have a qualifier, such as “Up to 98 percent payback,” then let the player beware. At least one machine in the bank is likely to be a 98-percenter, but others can be lower.Not all states permit such fudging, and this ploy isn’t as common as it was a decade ago, but when you see it, be wary.
John Grochowski writes a syndicated newspaper column on gambling,
and is author of the 'Casino Answer Book' series from Bonus Books.
and is author of the 'Casino Answer Book' series from Bonus Books.
After 28 years of continuously publishing the American Casino Guide, we are sad to say that, due to disruptions in the casino industry caused by the COVID-19 crisis, there will not be a 2021 edition of the book.
Hopefully, things will return to more normal conditions in 2021 and we will be able to print a 2022 edition. We have now been asking participating casinos/merchants who have coupons in the 2020 edition if they could extend their coupon expiration dates for an extra year. Below is a list of the offers that have been extended for an additional year.
Please note that this is an ongoing process and we will continue add details to this page as we hear back from the participants who are willing to extend their expiration dates.
Additionally, for some coupons, such as buffets and shows, those facilities are closed and the dates can’t be extended. Hopefully, they will reopen in the future and at that time we will ask if the expiration dates can be extended.
Thank you for your support and please remember to periodically check this page to see which coupon offers have been extended for an additional year.
Colorado – Black Hawk
Monarch Casino – The expiration date for their coupon has been extended through 12/30/2021. Please note that their buffet is open!
Mississippi – Bay St. Louis
Silver Slipper Casino – The expiration date for their coupon has been extended through 12/24/2021. Please note that their buffet is open!
Nevada – Lake Tahoe
Grand Lodge Casino at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe – The expiration date for their coupon has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Nevada – Las Vegas
5 Star Helicopter Tours – The expiration date for their coupon has been extended through 12/30/2021.
Bally’sHotel & Casino – The expiration date for The Twilight Zone Monster Mini-Golf coupon has been extended through 12/30/2021.
Bonnano’s New York Pizzeria – The expiration date for their coupon, which can be used at MGM Grand, Luxor, Flamingo, Mandalay Bay or Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes, has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Burger San Gennaro – The expiration date for their coupon, which can be used at the Venetian Hotel Casino Floor Food Court, has been extended through 12/31/2021.
D Las Vegas – The expiration dates for two of their three coupons have been extended through 12/29/2021. The get out of a blackjack hand for FREE (push your bet on 22) coupon was no longer valid as of January 2, 2020.
Downtown Grand – The expiration dates for their four coupons have been extended through 12/29/2021.
Ellis Island – The expiration dates for two of their three coupons have been extended through 12/31/2021. The “Play $20 and Receive an Ellis Island T-Shirt” coupon will expire on 12/30/2020.
Flamingo – The expiration date for the Carlos’ n Charlie’s coupon has been extended through 12/30/2021.
Gamblers General Store – The expiration date for their coupon has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Gold Coast Hotel & Casino – The expiration dates for the match play coupon and the Cornerstone Steakhouse have been extended through 12/30/2021.
American Casino Guide Slot Payback Info
Golden Gate – The expiration dates for their two coupons have been extended through 12/29/2021.
Haagen Dazs – The expiration date for their coupon, which can be used at MGM Grand or New York New York, has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Jerry’s Nugget – The expiration dates for their three coupons have been extended through 12/31/2021.
Johnny Rockets – The expiration date for their two coupons, which can be used at Ballys’, Venetian, Luxor, Excalibur, Flamingo, MGM Grand, or Mandalay Bay, have both been extended through 12/31/2021.
Klondike – The expiration dates for their two coupons have been extended through 12/30/2021. Also, please note that Sarah’s Kitchen has a new name: The Klondike Grill.
L.A. Subs – The expiration date for their coupon, which can be used at Luxor, or Flamingo, has been extended through 12/31/2021.
LINQ Promenade – The expiration date for the Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar coupon has been extended through 12/29/2021.
LINQ Promenade – The expiration dates for the two coupons for American Beer & Cocktails in the LINQ Promenade have been extended through 12/29/2021.
Luxor – The expiration date for the coupon for Bodies | The Exhibition has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Luxor – The expiration date for the coupon for Titanic | The Artifacts Exhibition has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Mandalay Bay – The expiration date for the coupon for RiRa | Irish Pub & Restaurant has been extended through 12/30/2021.
Mint Tavern – The expiration dates for their two coupons have been extended through 12/29/2021.
Mob Museum – The expiration date for their coupon has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs – The expiration date for their coupon, which can be used at MGM Grand, New York New York, Luxor, Flamingo, Bally’s or Mandalay Bay, has been extended through 12/31/2021.
New York Pretzel – The expiration date for their coupon, which can be used at MGM Grand or New York New York, has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Original Chicken Tender – The expiration date for their coupon, which can be used at Luxor, or MGM Grand, has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Orleans Hotel & Casino – The expiration dates for the match play coupon and the Bailiwick restaurant have been extended through 12/30/2021.
Pan Asian Express – The expiration date for their coupon, which can be used at Bally’s, MGM Grand, Flamingo, or Mandalay Bayhas been extended through 12/31/2021.
Pizzeria Pronto – The expiration date for their coupon, which can be used at the Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – The expiration date for the Miracle Mile Shops coupon has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – The expiration dates for the two coupons for the PBR Rock Bar & Grill at the Miracle Mile Shops have been extended through 12/29/2021.
Plaza Hotel & Casino – The expiration dates for their six coupons have been extended through 12/29/2021. Please note that Royal Rewards is now Plaza Rewards. Also, for the grilled cheese coupon, Brightside is closed. Instead, the coupon can be redeemed at Coffee Bar in the Plaza lobby.
PrimeBurger – The expiration date for their coupon, which can be used at the Venetian Hotel Grand Canal Shoppes, has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Silverton – The expiration dates for their three coupons have been extended through 12/28/2021. Currently, their buffet is closed.
Railroad Pass – The expiration date for their coupon has been extended through 12/31/2021. Currently, their buffet is closed, However, the free buffet offer has been replaced with a $7 food credit in the Iron Rail Cafe.
RioHotel & Casino – This property is still closed. However, the expiration date for the KISS Monster Mini-Golf coupon has been extended through 12/30/2021 and it will be honored when it reopens.
Royal Brittania Gastro Pub – The expiration date for their coupon, which can be used at the Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Slot Payback Information
Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino – The expiration date for the one free room night coupon has been extended through 12/27/2021. When calling for a reservation after 1/1/2021, be sure to mention ACG21 as the offer code.
Silver Sevens – The expiration date for their $10 Match Bet has been extended through 12/30/2021. The buy one entrée, get one free coupon has been replaced with a different offer: Earn 777 Base Points and get $7 in Free Play – Must be an A-Play Club Member. Must earn 777 Base Points in one day before offer can be redeemed. Upon earning 777 Base Points, coupon must be taken to Player Services in order to redeem the offer. Must be 21 or older and have an active A-Play Card. Limit one coupon per person. This coupon has no cash value, no substitutions, cannot be combined with any other offer or used more than once. Must surrender coupon at time of redemption. Reproduction, sale, barter or transfer are prohibited and render this coupon void. Management reserves the right to change or discontinue this offer without notice. Settle to: 39017. Offer expires 12/29/21 Note: before playing, we suggest that you bring your original buy one entrée, get one free coupon to the players club desk first to confirm that you are eligible for this offer.
Silverton – The expiration date for their three coupon have been extended through 12/28/2021. Currently, their buffet is closed.
Southpoint – The expiration dates for their two coupons have been extended through 12/30/2021. Also, their buffet is now open.
Tacos & ‘Rita’s – The expiration date for their coupon, which can be used at MGM Grand, or Venetian Hotel Casino Floor Food Court, has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Treasure Island – The expiration date for the Senor Frog’s coupon has been extended through 12/31/2021. However, effective January 1, 2021, the discount will be changed to 15% off the purchase of any food.
Tuscany – The expiration date for their three coupon have been extended for an additional year. The two gaming bonus coupons now expire on 12/29/2021 and the 2-for-1 drink offer expires 12/31/2021.
Venetian Resort – The expiration date for the coupon for the Royal Brittania Gastro Pub in the Venetian Hotel Grand Canal Shoppes, has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Venetian Resort – The expiration date for the coupon for Pizzeria Pronto in the Venetian Hotel Grand Canal Shoppes, has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Venetian Resort – The expiration date for the coupon for Burger San Gennaro in the Venetian Hotel Casino Floor Food Court, has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Venetian Resort – The expiration date for the coupon for PrimeBurger in the Venetian Hotel Grand Canal Shoppes, has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Venetian Resort – The expiration date for the Madame Tussauds Interactive Wax Attraction coupon has been extended through 12/31/2021.
Venetian Resort – The expiration dates for the two coupons for Rockhouse in the Grand Canal Shoppes have been extended through 12/29/2021.
I want to buy a slot machine. William Hill Race & Sports Book – The expiration dates for their two coupons have been extended through 12/31/2021.
Wild West Horseback Adventures – The expiration date for their coupon has been extended through 12/23/2021.
Nevada – Pahrump
Gold Town, Lakeside and Pahrump Nugget – The expiration dates for their coupons have been extended through 12/31/2021. Wizard of oz slots online, free.
Nevada – Primm
Primm Valley – The expiration dates for their two coupons have been extended through 12/28/2021.
Nevada – Reno
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa – The expiration date for their two coupons have been extended through 12/30/2021. Please note that their buffet is open!