Slot Machine Blog

Slot Machines & Income Taxes

2008-05-27T02:08:00.000-07:00

Question: Do I owe income taxes on slot machine winnings?

Answer: Yes.

You owe income taxes anytime you collect income, which includes gambling winnings. The good news is that you can also deduct the money you spent gambling. But you can only deduct your spending up to the amount of your winnings.

Federal income tax laws require casinos to withhold income taxes anytime you hit a jackpot amounting to over $1,199.00. The casino will send you a 1099 form to report with your filing.

This withholding only applies per jackpot, and not cumulative winnings across multiple games.

Because most people don't keep track of how much money they put into a slot machine, you need to get yourself a player's card for the casino you're playing at. The player's card will keep track of how much money you spent, and earned. You can simply call up the casino, give them the number on your player's card, and they'll send you a paper report of what you spent and earned.

The paper report, of course, will also show the winnings that amounted to less than $1,199, meaning the IRS will tax you on every penny you won. But at least you can offset that with the money you spent.

If anything, it's good idea to play with a player's card just in case you hit a big jackpot.

Convert Pachislo Machine from Credit to Collect Mode

2008-05-27T02:05:00.000-07:00

An anonymous reader wants to ask if anyone can help with converting their Pachislo machine from credit to collect mode...

How can I change my Pachislo machine from credit to collect mode? I can't locate any button/switch to do so. If my machine is permanently set in credit mode, can I have it modified? If so, by whom?

2-Can I add an autostop board? Who would do this?

Thanks,

If you can provide any answers, click on "Post a Comment" below.

Is It Better To Play Higher Denomination Slots?

2008-05-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

Mike submitted a question if playing higher dollar slots give you better odds...

Is it better to play the higher dollar slots? Like $2, $5, and $10's. Say if you had $100.00 which may give you the best odds?

Thanks Mike

Generally speaking the higher the denomonation the better the odds. For example a nickle machine...88% payback; Quarters...92%; Dollars...97%. For $2..98%; ,$5..98%. $10...98%. So after $1 it's about 97% payback. Paybacks after $25 will be about 99.6%

Video Lottery Terminals - the Difference?

2008-05-12T15:28:00.000-07:00

"Jogburg" sent me an e-mail today asking about the difference between a "Video Lottery Terminal" and a slot machine...

Yes,

I would like to get a definite answer to what is the difference between a Video Lottery Terminal and a slot machine.

My understanding is that they are very similar, that is they are both controlled by the RNG.

Is it true that the VLT machines are nothing more than a scratch off lottery as such, that is. That they are controlled by the Lottery commission and not the Gaming commission, and that VLT have RNG's in each machine, but their outcome is determined by a central computer at the lottery headquarters.

Where as regular slot are controlled by a per-programmed RNG that is installed in each machine and that the RNG can not be tampered with or changed unless there is a malfunction in the chip/and or machine. And that the casinos, slot parlors, or racinos do not tie the machine into a central computer where they can change the outcome of the game in progress.

Thanks, I appreciate your response.

Video Lottery Terminals are what the gaming industry refers to as "Class II machines". The Las Vegas style slot machines you're comparing them to are "Class III machines".

You pretty much nailed the primary difference, in that a group of Class II machines are controlled by one central computer. Whereas each Class III machine has its own computer picking out numbers.

Both Class II and Class III machines rely on random number generator, except with a Class II machine, that RNG is running inside of a central computer, located at the casino. That central computer is not located at a Lottery commission, as you asked. However, these machines are in fact monitored by the government using a separate computer, to ensure casinos are running them according to law.

In the states and jurisdicions I'm familiar with, Video Lottery Terminals are not connected with a state lottery system. They use the word "lottery" because it mimics a lottery. That is, across all VLTs within a single casino, there is a predetermined number of winners.

You're actually playing "Bingo", where each spin of the reels is a bingo card. Legally speaking, that's exactly what it is, Bingo. It allows indian reservations to offer something that looks and feels like a slot machine, but meets the laws and regulations of Bingo.

Triple Diamond Slot Machine - Squeaky Reel

2008-05-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

MAC asks if anyone can help regarding a Triple Diamond Slot Machine, and a squeaky reel...

I have an IGA Triple Diamond slot machine manufactured in 4/1994. The model # is B5136CFIW.

First question: What type or series machine is this? S, S+, or something else?

I was searching for a maintenance manual & can't find much regarding this machine.

The ultimate problem is with one of the three reel motors - the 3rd one (furthest right)squeels when it runs - far more often than not. I was thinking it needed lubrication, but am unsure of what type of lube to use, where it might need to be applied, or determine if the motor is going bad. About 1 in 15-20 runs, it doesn't make the squeel.

Any advise, insight, etc would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, MAC

Click on Post a Comment if you can help.

Do Slot Machines Still Dispense Coins?

2008-05-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

NormL asks if any slot machines in Las Vegas still dispense coins, or if they all print out tickets...

I live in Colorado and am planning to visit Las Vegas soon. In Central City and Black Hawk Colorado all the slots have gone from coins and tokens to vouchers...this sucks its boring! Have the Vegas Casinos done the same? Haven't been there since 1996.

The answer is "yes" and "no". Many of them now print out tickets, mostly along the Las Vegas Strip. But go into downtown, visit the older casinos, and many of them still have the coin-dispensing machines.

Reel Magic & Blue Shark Slots

2008-05-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

Taz asks the following questions, one about a slot machine called, "Reel Magic", and another about a computer program called, "Blue Shark"...

Hey there, im currently living in Melbourne, Australia. I used to live in Greece a few years back and used to play on the slots there. The majority of them were called "Reel Magic". Ive tried looking them up on the net with no luck. If you have any details about the machines im talking about please forward it to me as i would love to finde one.

Also, in Greece, at internet cafe's they had illegal; gambling programs installed on their computers, that if say a police officer or security guard walked in, the attendant would press a button at the main desk, and all the machines would go back into computer mode. I would really love to find an emulator of the program or something similar for some fun at home. All the slots and other casino programs that i have tried are pretty crap compared to the ones in Greece. The ones i played at the internet cafe's were called "Blue Shark". PLease help! :)))

Click on Post a Comment if you know anything.

Slot Machine Manual Wanted

2008-05-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

Roger asks if anyone can direct him to a manual for the following...

I have a sigma mech 3reel-IM model 13213 and am looking for a manual and schematics or where to look for info.

Thanks
Roger

Click on Post a Comment if you know anything.

When to Transfer Money to a New Slot Machine

2008-05-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

I received the following question a few days ago...

This is only my feeling and would like an expert to confirm if true or false. If you made a big or moderate win from a particular slot machine you should transfer because chances are that this machine will clean you up if you continue. True?

The answer is "yes" and "no".

"No" because technically these machines hit randomly. They could just as well produce three big payouts within a few spins of each other.

"Yes" because all slot machines are set with a lifetime payout percentage. If a machine is set to a payout percentage of 80%, it means that 80% of the money it collects will be paid back to the players in the form of a win, but most often as a small win.

However, when the machine pays out a big or moderate win, it still must maintain that 80% payout percentage. That means, it must hit you with enough losses or small wins to balance out that lifetime percentage.

But remember, all machines are set this way. So, if you cash yourself out, and put that money into another machine, you could end up putting that money into a machine that just recently paid out a big win.

Find Loose Slot Machines

2008-05-08T22:50:00.000-07:00

How do you find loose slot machines?

Mark Pilarski of the Detroit Free Press tries to answer that question...

As for finding those loose ones, well, that's no easy task. Slot managers place their machines strategically to maximize customer appeal and potential casino earnings. Unfortunately, no two casinos do it exactly alike.

It also isn't possible to distinguish loose and tight machines by look or type. Unless specifically advertised, such as, "98% return on these machines," two similar machines sitting side by side could produce radically different results.

You can read the rest of his article here...
http://www.freep.com/..../20080501/ENT11/805010308/1115/ENT05

To sum it up, he basically tells you that there is no way to know.

The slot machine technician friend of mine says that various indian casinos here in Southern California each adjust their payback rates differently. He's had to set these payback rates at casinos all over Southern California.

As it would turn out, the indian casinos with the higher payback rates are those that are furthest away from civilization, and therefore, have the smallest business.

The same holds true in Las Vegas. The strip casinos have the lowest payback rates, while the downtown casinos have higher rates, and those "island casinos" located by themselves in the middle of nowhere, have the highest rates of them all.

Paytron's Cashless Gaming Machine Payment System

2008-05-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

Slot Machine Blog reader named, "Prosper" asks if anyone knows how he can get ahold of a "PAYTRON Cashless Gaming Machine Payment system.

I found the following information about Paytron...

Paytron was equally created in 1992, when Smart Cards were just being developed. It has specialised in loyalty and cashless payment systems. Its primary objective was to devise a safe and easy payment system for slot machines. In 1994, it extended its system to the handling of all kinds of assistance for entertainment and hospitality customers. The card allowed the customers to collect prize points, get discounts, ease payments and get a statement of their expenses. In 1996, it first went online with its systems. In 1997, it extended its system to the handling of customer loyalty systems for any kind of store. In 2001, Paytron became part of DA Sistemi, a company of DA Group.

This paragraph found here...
http://www.dasistemi.com/node/43

Looks like you need to contact DA Sistemi.

IGT Wild Diamonds - Squeaky Reel

2008-05-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

MAC asks for help regarding an IGT Wild Diamonds slot machine. Can anyone provide insight?

I have an IGT Wild Diamonds machine, model # B51136CFIW manufactured in 4/94.

Of the three reel motors, the 3rd (on the right) makes quite a squeeling/grinding noise, most of the time. Maybe one in 20 times it sounds smooth like the others. I'd like to think that it's in need of lubrication, but the inconsistancy of the squeel leads me to believe that maybe the reel motor is slowly failing. Is there a way to lubricate, where & how would I do that & what product should I use?

Is there some manual that applies to my machine that I can get a hold of? I found one that applies to S & S+ series machines, but I'm hesitant to purchase the book if it won't apply to whatever series machine this is.

Any amount of help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
MAC

Please click on "Post a Comment" if you can add anything.

3M Unveils New Touch Screen for Slots

2008-05-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

Mass High Tech reports that the 3M Company has developed a new type of touch screen for slot machines that give the user the feeling as if they pressed a button...

3M's MicroTouch Capacitive TouchSense System upgrades touch-screen technology (now used on everything from digital music players to ATMs) by providing tactile feedback.

The system, which can be installed in new or existing slot machines, provides users with the sensation of touching a mechanical button when touching an LCD screen.

Read the full article...
http://masshightech.bizjournals.com/..../daily19.html?b=1209960000^1631445

Random Number Generator & Manually Stopping the Wheel

2008-05-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a question submitted by "RR" regarding the random number generator, and how that relates to manually stopping the wheels...

Hello...

I understand that a "RandomNumberGenerator" or RNG is always running and when you hit the:play button it stops for however many numbers it needs for the winning combination on that particular slot....and the spinning of the reels is purely for your entertainment....they just "catch up" with the numbers the RNG has selected....

MY QUESTION IS THIS : Many video slots have an option of stopping the reels manually.....NOW...when you do that are you actually doing anything yourself or only making the outcome appear faster.......eh?

I am writing from the library so you need to send your answer to my personal email which is colpix65@yahoo.com.....thanks RR

If anyone has an answer to this, please click on "Post a Comment".

Slot Machine Manual for Universal Model 8515

2008-02-22T10:07:00.000-08:00

Pat wants to know where he can get a manual for a Universal Co., Model 8515...

Hi,
I hope you can help me. I have a Universal Co. Model 8515 (is Universal the same as IGT?) that I am trying to find info, manuals, etc. for. I am particularly interested in manuals. It works now for the most part. There are some burned out bulbs, a door open code (50), bad switch? & the cash out will only work in test mode 4. Any info, parts or help? Just in case my e-mail is CARTENDERS@STARPOWER.NET
Thank you, Pat

Caveman Keno Slot Tips

2008-01-30T15:54:00.000-08:00

Christine has a question about Caveman Keno slot machines, wondering if there is a "win cycle"...

I like playing the 25 cent Caveman Keno slot machines. Why is it that the machine will repeat the pattern I'm working everywhere else on the machine. It's like thumbing it's nose at me! If these are truly RNG,then it would not seem to happen like this. Also if on say the 0's and you get off and do something else, next two spins, sure enough, the zeros come in. When I have won it has always happened in the first $20-40 which just means the machine is in its win cycle. Is there a "win cycle?" You can literally hear the short hesitation, then the machine goes either from a pay to non pay or the other way. I have been curious about this for a long time. Thanks!

If anyone can comment, please do!

Mizuho Slot Machine - Help Needed

2008-01-22T20:36:00.000-08:00

Allan writes wanting to know how to change the payout on a Mizuho Slot Machine...

I have a mizuho slot and I think the model is z-4-11 or 012001 what I need to know is how do you change the payout? I use to know how but I lost the manual , I do remember it was pretty easy but I can't figure it out, any help would be appreciated, Thank's Allan

Special Card Reader Cleaner for Slot Machines

2007-01-25T22:17:00.000-08:00

A question from "Newcoman" wanting to know about tools that slot machine technicians would like to have...
Q: I'm developing a new card reader cleaning card, designed be a slot tech. This card will restore function to readers that other cards fail to fix. The problem is, you can't build much of a business around one product. I would like to create a business that provides the parts, materials, technology that the slot machine technician wishes he had to fix the most common problems. If you could buy the thing or things that that would most help you in your job, what would it/they be?
A: A card reader cleaner is (in my opinion) a waste of time. There are several products out now, and none work very well. This is not a problem that needs something new, the reader are not worth cleaning because it is cheaper to replace them. They don't need cleaned before they wear out. As for the question of any tool that you could produce, I can't think of anything that is not out there already.

Turning up the Speed on a Keno Machine

2007-01-25T22:15:00.000-08:00

Here's a question from Rick...
Q: I have a 13 year old IGT keno machine and I was wondering if you could tell me if a person could slow or speed up the numbers that appear on the screen as they come up.
A: You can increase the speed by turning the reset key with the door open. It should bring up a menu. If you go to "set up" you should find a section called "speed". You just need to touch the up arrow until you get the speed you want.

Are Slot Machines with more Credits any Better?

2007-01-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a question from Gabriela...
Q: I like to play the nickle slots. Some machines have 9 lines and 5 credits making it 45 credits per game. Other machines have more lines and more credits, 180 credits per game or more. Is it better for me to play the 45 credit game, or the higher credit games?
A: There is not any difference other than the amount of money you are spending on each handle pull. The biggest thing to remember is to play all lines.

How to Open the Cash Box

2007-01-18T11:57:00.000-08:00

A question from Johanne Fulford...
Q: About a year ago I bought a 1993 Williams "Mermaids Gold" slot machine - and had it configured to take CDN bills and coins. I've been using it as my piggy bank in-house ever since.

There's got to be a ton of money in it at this point, because it just stopped taking in bills. The problem is that have no idea how to get the paper money out of the machine! Ha!

The people who sold it to me are now unreachable (sad) - so I'm trying to find a gentler alternative to my ever-hand sledgehammer.

Any ideas how I might open this thing up & reclaim my cash? I have the keys for the coin hopper (front panel) as well as a key for the side door - but the bill collector thing looks like it's got two holes on it - and no amount of fiddling it around can get it to come out.
A: If you look at the top right side there should be a little lever if you push down the cash box you should be able to pull the cash box out.

Which Slot Machine Easily Converts Back to Coin?

2007-01-18T11:45:00.000-08:00

A question from Jimmy Pyell...
Q: My mother used to live in Vegas until she became to ill to live alone anymore. For her birthday, I would like to buy her a slot machine to put in her t.v room. What kind of machine do you recommend that would be easy to convert back to coin?
A: It depends on what kind of machine she likes to play, but I would stick with IGT.

Las Vegas Strip Casinos

2006-01-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

This question comes from anonymous...
Q:: Everyone tells me that in Vegas, you have a better chance of winning more money playing the slots at downtown casinos, rather than casinos on the Strip. Is this true? How is this possible?
A:: Hold percentages vary from casino to casino, all in all they are about the same all over Vegas. The strip and Down town are tourist traps. Next time your in Vegas try some of the off strip casinos.

Note: Check out the response regarding "99% Payback Slots". Casino's can adjust lifetime payback on a machine to make it more profitable for them, or less profitable. Strip casinos tend to have lower payback percentages, meaning that the machine keeps more of your money. Strip casinos do this because they enjoy such large crowds of people, and can afford rip people off. Those off-strip casinos in Vegas (like Texas Station, Orleans, etc.) tend to have higher payback percentages, because they have fewer players, and need to reward them for their patronage.

When a Win is not a Win

2006-01-04T19:17:00.000-08:00

This question comes Lorna Smith...
Q:: Someone told me that the casinos now have slot machines that only pay for certain winning combinations, depending on how much you bet on each line. Is this true?
A:: Yes it is true, there are machines that if you play 1 coin per line you only win when the bars line up in a paying combo. 2 coins and you get the 7's in a winning combo. If you only play 1 coin per line and hit a winning combo of 7's you do not win. The 3rd coin per line lets you win the progressive and any other winning combo.

Converting a Slot Machine from Token to Coin

2006-01-02T18:02:00.000-08:00

Someone named "Planner" sends us the following question...
Q:: Is it possible to change a token slot machine over to a coin operated machine?
A:: Yes you can convert a token machine to coin, you need to convert the hopper to the coin that you are going to use, and change the coin in the coin comparator, and the coin head.

If the machine accepts bills you will need to change the denomination in the program so that you get the proper number of credits for the bills that are inserted if its a quarter you get 4 credits for each 1 dollar bill etc.