Do High Denomination Slot Machines Pay Less Today?

High denomination slot machines are typically known for offering higher payback than low denomination games. The obvious reason why is because casinos want to reward players for betting more.

But land-based casinos have reduced payback on certain casino games as they shift their focus to resort offerings. And this makes some players wonder if high denomination slots have also seen their payout percentages reduced.

Is this really the case? Keep reading as I discuss this matter by looking at whether dollar games now pay closer to penny slots.

High Denomination Slot Machines are as Strong as Ever

Casinos don’t want to discourage high-roller slots players from betting more. That said, you can still expect higher payback on the large denomination machines ($1 and above).

For example, high denomination machines in Downtown Las Vegas casinos offer around 95% payback. Contrast this to the average penny slot machine, which pays around 88%.

The gap in Vegas Strip casinos is smaller, with high denomination games paying around 92% and lower denomination machines offering 89%. But you’re still getting an advantage with dollar slots.

The same can be seen in Connecticut casinos, where dollar games pay around 93% payback and penny machines deliver 89%.

Penny Slot Machines are Expensive in Other Ways

We’ve just covered how you can expect higher payout percentages on high denomination slot machines. Nevertheless, many players still enjoy penny slots because they can use lots of pay lines for cheap.

It’s important to remember that you’re sometimes betting $3 to $5 per spin to activate all of the lines. And a large portion of your payback often comes from bonus rounds and jackpots.

This being the case, sometimes you’re better off playing slot machines with a $1 coin denomination or higher. This is especially the case when considering that you can expect to win more on each dollar wagered.