It's easier than ever to find slot machines thanks to gambling expansion across the United States.
- John Thompson Las Vegas Airport Slot Machines
- Free Slot Machine Las Vegas
- John Thompson Las Vegas Airport Slot Machines
Multi slot games. McCarran International Airport has become the first airport in the country to install brand new vending machines selling hand sanitizer, gloves and face masks. When travelers land at McCarran they. As is the standard with most casinos these days, the slot machines at McCarran Airport feature TITO (or Ticket In, Ticket Out), meaning when you cash out, you get a ticket. There are no bill breaker machines here to exchange your ticket for cash, so you'll have to look for the uniformed attendant to make the exchange.
Most states confine their slots to casinos. But some states have extended slot machines to convenience stores, bars, and restaurants.
You now have numerous options with regard to finding these games. But there's one place that you're strongly advised against playing: airports!
Airport slot machines are notorious for offering low payback. Therefore, it only makes sense that people steer clear of these games.
But are airport slots really as bad as their reputation? Find out as I discuss more on these games and if you should really be scared to play them.
Where Do You Find Airport Slot Machines?
The only two American airports that feature slot machines are McCarran International (Las Vegas) and Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
Pennsylvania is strongly considering offering slots at their airport. But for the time being, Nevada is the only place in the US that has airport games.
This makes sense when considering that Vegas and Reno are two of America's biggest gambling destinations. You can get off a plane and start spinning the reels right away in either of these locations.
These slot machines are also perfect for when you're waiting for flights and want some entertainment while you're passing the time.
Of course, McCarran International offers a much larger selection of slot machines, because it's the more heavily traveled airport. 48.5 million passengers fly in and out of McCarran every year.
Reno is no slouch with 4 million passengers annually. But this number is dwarfed by how many passengers use the McCarran airport.
That said, go to Las Vegas if you want the wider selection of airport slot machines.
Why Do Airport Slots Have Such a Bad Reputation?
Slot machines in airports are notorious for offering the lowest payback of any land-based establishments. Many gamblers will do everything they can to avoid playing slots at an airport because they don't want to waste their money.
Of course, the problem with land-based slot machines is that they don't display payout percentages. This means that we have little idea on how airport games compare to slots found in other locations.
Compounding matters are that Nevada-based gaming reports don't specifically discuss a return to player (RTP) for airport slots. Instead, they only cover broad areas like the Las Vegas Strip, downtown Vegas, and nearby Boulder City.
The only real evidence that airport games pay less than other slot machines is a 2001 survey by Michael 'Wizard of Odds' Shackleford.
Obviously, 2001 is a long time ago as far as the gaming world moves. But Shackleford did manage to prove that the McCarran International Airport has tighter slots than any Vegas casino.
His survey shows that Vegas airport slots only offer 85.02% RTP on average. Compare this to the Palms Casino, which topped the list at 93.42% payback.
This is over an 8% difference, which is massive as far as slots RTP goes. You would've lost an extra $8 on average if you played in the McCarran airport versusPalms Casino at the time.
The drawback to Shackleford's data is that it's currently 17 years old. Things may have changed to some degree for airport slots versus other venues.
At the same time, though, I'm inclined to believe that slots RTP hasn't gotten much better at McCarran or Reno-Tahoe.
Why Do Airports Offer Lower Slots Payback?
Slot machine developers offer different RTP schedules that casinos can choose from. Most gambling establishments select payback that's competitive with other area casinos.
After all, they don't want gamblers quickly losing all their money and vowing never to come back. Furthermore, the casino is still profiting off their slot machines no matter if the RTP is 8% or 12%.
Airports differ, though, because they're not technically competing against other casinos. Instead, they have a built-in advantage since many travelers use airports to visit Vegas or Reno.
In contrast, nobody goes to McCarran International or Reno-Tahoe International just to play slots. They can just as easily play at regular casinos and enjoy better gaming atmospheres.
Airports know that they don't have to be competitive with local casinos because they're always going to have customers hanging around. A certain percentage of these customers naturally become interested in slot machines as boredom sets in.
Yet another reason why airports can get away with offering low payout percentages is because they're not counting on repeat players.
Sure, many travelers may use a specific airport multiple times in their lifetimes. But for the most part, these gamblers will play slots for a short while and not come back for a long time (if ever).
If these gamblers get stung by airport slots, then it's not like they'll simply choose another casino. Instead, their play is a temporary deal that vanishes when they fly out of the airport.
How Airport Slots Compare to Regular Casino Slot Machines
Airports may have less incentive to offer high payout percentages to gamblers. But that's not to say they want to completely rip everybody off.
The McCarran and Reno airports' reputation would only become worse if they lowered their slots RTP to Nevada's 75% state minimum — which no establishment does.
Long story short, you at least have some chance of winning with airport slot machines. But how do these odds compare to standard land-based games?
Here's information from a 2017 UNLVCenter for Gaming Research report, which shows slots payback in various areas of Nevada:
Nevada statewide slots RTP
- Penny slots = 9.83% house edge
- Nickel slots = 5.46%
- Quarter slots = 6.94%
- Dollar = 6.06%
- Multi-denominational = 5.23%
Las Vegas Strip
- Penny slots = 11.64% house edge
- Nickel slots = 8.21%
- Quarter slots = 10.52%
- Dollar = 7.41%
- Multi-denominational = 6.47%
Downtown Las Vegas
- Penny slots = 11.03% house edge
- Nickel slots = 6.36%
- Quarter slots = 5.73%
- Dollar = 5.38%
- Multi-denominational = 4.94%
Boulder Strip (26 miles from Vegas)
- Penny slots = 9.54% house edge
- Nickel slots = 3.56%
- Quarter slots = 3.69%
- Dollar = 4.30%
- Multi-denominational = 4.47%
Washoe County (Reno & Tahoe)
- Penny slots = 6.94% house edge
- Nickel slots = 4.51%
- Quarter slots = 6.77%
- Dollar = 4.42%
- Multi-denominational = 4.36%
One thing I've noticed about slots payback is that it's gotten gradually better since the UNLV Center for Gaming Research began releasing these reports. I estimate that payback has improved by an average of 2% over the past 15 years or so.
John Thompson Las Vegas Airport Slot Machines
If we apply this improvement to Shackleford's report, then it's reasonable to assume that McCarran and Reno airport slots offer an average of 87% RTP.
This payback is far from outstanding. But you can see that it's at least competitive with Vegas Strip slot machines.
On the other hand, Sin City offers much better payback than airport slot machines in non-Strip locations.
Free Slot Machine Las Vegas
Airport Slot Machines Compared to Online Slots
The nice thing about airports is that they offer free Wi-Fi. This allows you to use your smartphone to play online slots and other casino games.
You have a much better chance of winning with slots if you simply play online while waiting at airports. Internet slots typically offer around 95% payback regardless of the coin denomination being used.
This is excellent when compared to slot machines in any land-based establishment — especially airports. I've even seen some online slots that offer up to 99% RTP.
Taking this 95% to 99% range, internet slots offer 8-12% higher RTP than airport slot machines. If your main goal is winning, then you definitely want to stick to your smartphone or tablet in an airport.
Of course, this isn't to say that you have to completely nix airport slot machines. Nothing replaces the experience of actually sitting in front of a large screen and spinning the reels.
Meanwhile, both smartphones and tablets have much smaller screens than a physical slot machine. But if you can get past the small screens and lesser experience, then online slots will give you a stronger chance to win.
Should You Still Play Airport Slot Machines?
I'm not trying to dissuade you from ever trying slot machines at an airport. In fact, the math shows that you won't lose a tremendous amount of money when compared to the average land-basedgame.
Here's an example of theoretical losses with an airport slot machine based on what I've discussed:
- You're playing a slot with 87% payback.
- You're betting $1 per spin.
- You perform 600 spins per hour.
- 600 x 1 x 0.13 = $78 in theoretical losses per hour
Now assume that you're at an actual Vegas or Reno casino:
John Thompson Las Vegas Airport Slot Machines
- You're playing a slot with 94% RTP.
- You're betting $1 per spin.
- You perform 600 spins per hour.
- 600 x 1 x 0.06 = $36 in theoretical losses per hour
The difference in hourly theoretical losses here is $42. This means that airport slots cause you to loseat about twice as high of a rate.
Obviously, you'd rather choose the game that only leads to $36 theoretical losses if all aspects are equal. However, the key thing to remember is that airport slots cost more due to their location.
The question to ask yourself is whether you're willing to face doubled losses in order to play slots while waiting at the airport. Everybody's answer will vary based on their bankroll, desire to win, and the need for entertainment.
Serious players who only care about maximizing their chances of winning may think that it's preposterous to play at an airport. In contrast, those who want to be entertained while waiting on a flight may be perfectly fine with taking a bigger risk.
It's also not like airport slot machines offer the most-horrific odds ever. Even if these games still pay the 85% RTP listed in Shackleford's 2001 report, this is still better than some casino games, prop bets, and the lottery.
Land-based keno games can carry a 40% house edge, which dwarfs the estimated 13-15% house advantage seen with airport slot machines. Many US lottery tickets have anywhere from a 30-50% house edge.
If you're still worried about airport slots, then you can set a strict stop-loss limit. Here's an example:
- You have a $1,000 bankroll.
- You want to save most of this for casinos, which offer better odds.
- You set a stop-loss limit of 5% ($50) for airport slots.
This small percentage allows you to still enjoy slot machines at airports without going overboard and blowing your casino bankroll.
Conclusion
Playing slots at an airport is an intimidating prospect when considering that you stand a lower chance of winning. But don't let the lower odds completely turn you off of airport slots.
I estimate that these games now offer between 85-87% RTP based on old statistics and the way the slots industry has changed.
This RTP range is a far cry from the 94-97% that internet slots offer. However, it's at least competitive with the Vegas Strip and its 88-93% payback.
You also have a chance to win big jackpots with airport slot machines. A California woman hit a $1.6 million jackpot while playing McCarran International's Wheel of Fortune Pink Diamonds in 2017.
This win goes to show that you can get lucky with slots anywhere, including the McCarran machines.
Of course, I'm not advocating that you fly into Vegas or Reno and stick to their slots. You can find better opportunities at surrounding casinos or even with your mobile device.
Instead, the key takeaway here is that airport slots in moderation won't bankrupt you. The important thing is to set a stop-loss that you're comfortable with and stick to it.
I'll never forget my first trip to Las Vegas. When I walked off the ramp into the airport and heard the musical, electronic sound of slot machines, a huge smile crept over my face. I'd never been greeted with that sound at an airport before. Walking through the airport from my gate to baggage claim, I passed clusters of slot machines here and there and found myself in awe. This has to be the most fun airport ever! I thought. I've pretty much had that same reaction every trip since. There's nothing that says 'Welcome to Las Vegas' quite like the sight and sound of slot machines.
I'm usually in too much of a hurry to get to my hotel when I land to think about lingering in the airport to play them, but on my trip home, it's a whole other story. I mean, really, picture your typical airport experience. You get to the airport early, as is recommended, and by some miracle, you zip through security quickly. You still have an hour and 45 minutes until your flight. Now what? Read the book you brought with you? But if you read it now, what will you read on the plane?
So you wander through your terminal—slowly—in and out of each shop that's trying to sell you last-minute souvenirs, snacks, books and magazines. That takes about 15 minutes. Now what? Maybe grab a meal at one of the restaurants, assuming you haven't already eaten. But at McCarran International Airport, you can extend your Vegas vacation right up until the minute you board your plane by playing the slot machines.
I'll bet you have some questions about gambling at the airport. I know I did. So let's tackle the big ones, shall we?
Airport Slot Machines
Where can I find slot machines at McCarran International Airport?
There are approximately 1,300 slot machines at McCarran, in baggage claim, the shopping areas, in terminals near gates—even in the car rental center. Trust me, you can't miss them.
Has anyone ever actually won playing slots at the airport?
Shockingly, yes. According to Chris Jones, Acting Manager of Public Affairs and Marketing at McCarran, two players at McCarran won $392,000 and $259,000 respectively within four days of each other in May 2008. One lucky traveler won $3.9 million at a progressive Wheel of Fortune machine in January 2005. I've also seen many reports on TripAdvisor's Vegas forum from people who won enough money at the airport to make them happy. Personally, I've never won anything on the machines at the airport. Then again, I don't usually win in the casinos, either.
Does that mean the slots are looser at the airport?
Er, no. Conventional wisdom has long held that you should avoid playing slots at the airport because the payout is lower than average. (Although given how tight the machines have become on the Strip in recent years, I don't see much of a difference any more.) As with playing all slot machines, you should be prepared to lose, because you probably will. Gambling should be a form of entertainment, like going to the movies. It's just a fun way to kill time. . .with a (very) slight chance of winning back some of your money.
How do I get paid if I win or want to cash out?
As is the standard with most casinos these days, the slot machines at McCarran Airport feature TITO (or Ticket In, Ticket Out), meaning when you cash out, you get a ticket. There are no bill breaker machines here to exchange your ticket for cash, so you'll have to look for the uniformed attendant to make the exchange. There is one stationed at or near all slot locations.
Do I have to fill out an IRS form if I win over $1,000, like at the casinos?
Sadly, yes. Uncle Sam always wants his cut.
How long does it take to get paid? Will I miss my flight?
This probably depends on how close you're cutting your play to when your flight boards. There are ticket attendants on hand to pay you your winnings. If you win a couple of hundred bucks, they can probably pay you quickly with the money they have on hand. But if you win a big jackpot—say a couple hundred thousand or a million—they won't have that money on hand. So it will take longer to get paid, and yes, you may miss your flight. But if you won that much money, really, would you care???
How do you feel about playing the slots at McCarran? Would you do it to entertain yourself while waiting for your flight, or do you think it's a sucker's bet? Have you ever played there–and won?
