Slot Game – How to Play: Introduction to Slot Machines
Not too long ago, slot machine players were considered the second-class citizens of casino customers. The jackpots were small, payout percentages were staggering, and slot players weren’t eligible for the kind of complimentary bonuses—free rooms, shows, meals—usually offered to table game players. However, in the past few decades, the face of the casino industry has changed. Sports betting and online gaming are rapidly growing and becoming a more significant part of the revenue pie for casinos. However, they still don’t match up to slot machines. While commercial casino revenue in the U.S. dropped in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, a significant 63 percent of that revenue came from electronic gaming devices, and in many jurisdictions, that number leads up to 80 percent. (The American Gaming Association considers slot machines as “electronic gaming devices” and includes video poker, instant racing, and similar platforms in this category.)

Not too long ago, slot machine players were considered the second-class citizens of casino customers. The jackpots were small, payout percentages were staggering, and slot players weren’t eligible for the kind of complimentary bonuses—free rooms, shows, meals—usually offered to table game players. However, in the past few decades, the face of the casino industry has changed. Sports betting and online gaming are rapidly growing and becoming a more significant part of the revenue pie for casinos. However, they still don’t match up to slot machines. While commercial casino revenue in the U.S. dropped in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, a significant 63 percent of that revenue came from electronic gaming devices, and in many jurisdictions, that number leads up to 80 percent. (The American Gaming Association considers slot machines as “electronic gaming devices” and includes video poker, instant racing, and similar platforms in this category.)

Slot machines are more popular than table games for one reason. It’s simple—just drop coins into the slot and push the button or pull the lever. Newcomers often find personal interaction with dealers or other players at tables intimidating, and slot players tend to avoid that. Moreover, the largest, life-changing jackpots in casinos are often offered on slot machines.
—OFA168