Question: In Nevada are the slot machine payouts regulated by the state? Can a casino have 1 percent payouts on some machines, and 99 percent on some others? Does the state require a minimum payout on all machines, or do they differ with each machine?

Bill in Gold River, Cailf.

Answer: Yes, slot machine payouts are regulated by the Nevada Gaming Commission. Every slot machine in the state is supposed to pay out no less than 75 percent of what it takes in. That's per machine not per casino so no, a casino would not be allowed to have a machine that pays out 1 percent and another that pays out a lot to meet the magic 75 percent total.

That 75 percent minimum is standard on all machines in the state regardless of denomination or location.

However, numbers reported by the casinos show there is a difference in payout above that 75 percent based on denomination and location.

Nickel slots pay the worst - usually in the 80-85 percent range in most casinos. Quarters are next in the 85-90 percent range and dollars are the best - 90-95 percent. Video Poker machines tend to pay out better than slot machines. In Las Vegas, The Strip payouts are the worst overall with Downtown a little better and the local casinos spread throughout the city the best.

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