Payback) refers to how much slot machines are programmed to pay out in the long run. Higher payback means that a game gives you a stronger chance of winning. Therefore, you’ll do well to know the RTP behind any game that you play. You’ll discover that it’s really easy to find payout percentages for online slot machine games.
A very common question that I get from people who are interested in advantage playing slots is how much money can I make? I’ll be straight up with you. It’s impossible to give a direct answer to that question. I know slot hustlers who barely make enough to pay their rent. I also know hustlers who regularly make more than $500000 a year. There are a variety of factors that will determine how much you can make. Here are the biggest ones that I can think of.
Machines
This one is pretty obvious. If there are few, if any advantage machines in a casino like Ocean Magic, Golden Egypt, Scarab or others, you won’t make much money. Some casinos are absolutely loaded with these types of slots you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store.
Competition
What you are capable of earning may be affected by how many other people are trying to do the same thing you are. Some of us get lucky & have a casino with little, if any competition. Whereas a place like Las Vegas with their many casinos & advantage machines obviously has a ton of slot hustlers which may make things difficult.
Bankroll
What are you working with? When I started doing this I had next to nothing. This put me in a significant disadvantage against the other advantage players because I was limited in what I could go after. Most must-hit by progressives were out of the question in the beginning because I couldn’t risk a big loss or busting out without hitting it. But don’t fret if your starting bankroll is low. Just be cognizant of it & hopefully someday you’ll be able to play for the big bucks.
Time
How much time are you willing to put into this? Some people view advantage playing slots simply as a hobby or a part-time job. They go to the casinos a few times a week & never spend more than a few hours each session. These types in my experience are usually the most easy-going hustlers because their entire existence doesn’t depend on casinos. On the flipside there are the hardcore hustlers who make this their entire life. No exaggeration, their entire life. These people are in a casino almost all day, everyday.
Discipline
What is your goal? Hopefully it’s to make a substantial profit over the long-term. But what do you do when there are no advantage machines in a playable state? Do you remain patient or do you break & start playing non-advantage games? What happens when you lose or take a bad beat? Do you brush it off & move on to the next play or start gambling on random machines in an effort to get back those losses?
How disciplined you are will go a long way in determining how successful you are at slot hustling. Just about all slot hustlers are pretty good at making money. But many of them do a poor job of holding onto it. After all most slot hustlers started off as your average, run of the mill gambler before figuring this stuff out & many often fall into some form of gambling trap. They may love to bet on sports, play at the tables or maybe have a favorite machine but I personally know too many hustlers who should be living comfortably but are grinding everyday because they keep blowing their winnings. Don’t be like them.
With that said it is my hope that new advantage players will gain insight & develop a realistic expectation to how much can be made given their situation. This lifestyle isn’t for everyone but for some it could be everything they could ever dream of in a casino & more.
A slot machine will often have three or more reels or a video screen, which is spun when either the slot lever is pulled or a button is pushed.
Slot Machine Prices
How much does a slot machine cost?
On average, plan on spending anywhere from $200 for a novelty slot machine to as much as $3,000 for a higher-end model of a working slot machine, similar to the ones you see in a professional casino. This would be the price for those who are interested in buying a second-hand slot machine for their own entertainment purposes at home.
However, if you’re talking about what a casino pays for a slot machine, the costs could be much more. Experts have noted official casino slot machines can cost as much as $20,000. For instance, this article claims that Bally sells its machines for $9,671 each. The costs, in the end, will come down to the manufacturer, the quality of the hardware, the intellectual property it represents and title. Calvinayre.com, on the other hand, says the average IGT game sold for $13,000 in 2013, while another manufacturer, Multimedia Games, received over $18,000, on average, from its machines.
Gambler’s Paradise, a slot machine retailer located in Ohio, lists close to 50 slot machines, ranging from $600 to $3,000+
Refer to our table below to see what you may pay for a slot machine in working order on the second-hand market:
| Type of Slot Machine | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Antique/Vintage Slot Machine | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Bally Slot Machines | $125 to $800 |
| IGT Game King | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| IGT Slot Machines | $400 to $700 |
| Jennings Slot Machines | $1,600 to $3,200 |
| Video Slot Machines | $400 to $1,600+ |
| Williams Slot Machines | $650 to $2,000+ |
Slot machine overview
Generally, there are two common types of slot machines: a mechanical and computerized. When slot machines first hit the market, all were mechanical, operating gears and levels. Eventually, as the time when on, these gears were replaced with an electric slot machine which used motors and solenoids to run the gears. Today, most slot machines will use a computer to general a random number to generate the slot machine’s outcome.
Retailers often include a limited warranty, which often lasts up to a year,
What are the extra costs?
Repairs, depending on how much the slot machine is going to be used, needs to be factored in. Some machines can be more difficult to repair, whereas some machines will rely on a battery, which, over time, will need to be replaced as well. Even if the machine isn’t used for a long period of time, the battery may need to be replaced.
A common problem for slot machine owners, according to this eBay guide, is a lost door key. If this were to happen, you will either need to hire a locksmith, purchase a new one for $20 or so or learn how to drill and barrel the locks.
Due to the size of a slot machine, freight shipping charges may apply.
Tips to know
Slot Machines For Home Use
There are legal implications if you’re thinking about buying a slot machine. In 41 states, it is legal to own a used slot machine, but in nine states: Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennesse and Wisconsin, it is 100 percent illegal. In 17 states, there will be a law that the slot machine must be, at a minimum, 25 years old. With all of that being said, check your state laws to make sure it’s legal to own.
How can I save money?
If you do not mind buying used, this can save you upwards of at least 50 percent. Try to explore the used inventory before buying new.
Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info.