Las Vegas Best Casino Slots
This very popular medieval themed casino has been a go-to spot in Las Vegas for many years and why not since the casino holds the claim of the biggest slots jackpot ever won. In 2003 a software engineer from Los Angeles with the ripe old age of 25 played a Megabucks slots and he played big at $100 a spin. However, there remain some stellar slot options in the world’s brick and mortar casinos, too. From Macau to London, slot games are still the top dog when it comes to casino fun. Nowhere are slots so amazing as they are in Las Vegas, the undisputed world capital of gambling. From classic to ultra-modern, Sin City is home to the best slots on.
Caesars Palace is a casino known as a destination for high rollers, in no small part because it keeps popping up in movies playing that part. This is a place with plenty of high limit games, so come prepared to spend some money. Poker players can enjoy a large room that offers a daily tournament schedule. A race and sports book give players a vast array of games to watch and bet on, plus private booths with their own individual screens. Numerous restaurants, an A-list of entertainers and an upscale shopping mall are also on the grounds of the hotel, in case you decide to give Lady Luck a break for a while.
Recommended for Casinos because: Caesars Palace has an upscale reputation as a high-limits casino but players will find a wide selection of games.
Terrisa's expert tip: The poker room at Caesars Palace was recently relocated and now offers players 4,500 square-foot poker room featuring Pai Gow, Texas Hold'em, Let it Ride and Three Card Poker.
The El Cortez in Downtown Las Vegas has been around for decades, long before mega-sized casinos and ATM machines. The property's history includes Ben 'Bugsy' Siegel, who was once a partial owner. Today the vintage casino attracts patrons who want to experience what's left of Old Vegas. Gamblers will find a large selection of low-limits games, a casual atmosphere, and a large supply of colorful customers who keep the vibe authentic. Perhaps most notably, gamblers can also find single and double deck blackjack. Las Vegas got its start Downtown, thanks to places like the El Cortez. Today, it's still a reason to make the trip to Fremont Street.
Recommended for Casinos because: The El Cortez gives players a taste of 'Old Vegas' with its vintage ambiance, low-limit machines and single and double deck blackjack.
Terrisa's expert tip: If you miss the clinking and clanking of coin-operated machines, El Cortez has an abundance of old-school style penny and nickel machines along with plenty of modern games with tickets.
South Point's location on the far end of Las Vegas Boulevard means it's not considered a part of the Strip, which is a bonus for visitors looking for less glitzy options. The casino has a large local customer base, which many believe means better odds. The casino offers a wealth of machine play, with over 2,200 slot and poker machines. The casino floor holds over 60 table games, including all the standards as well as some newer games like Progressive Fortune Pai-Gow Poker, No Commission Baccarat and Three Card Poker. A non-smoking poker room, bingo room and a race and sports book round out the gaming options here.
Recommended for Casinos because: With over 2,200 slot and poker machines, South Point's casino is a great choice for players who prefer machine play.
Terrisa's expert tip: The South Point's Arena and Equestrian Center hosts events throughout the year, with an emphasis on horse-related shows and events. Check the website for a listing of coming attractions.
This beautiful resort on the far west side of the city is one of those Vegas casinos that attracts both locals and tourists. Boasting thousands of slot/video poker machines and table games including blackjack, baccarat, craps, poker and roulette, the casino at Red Rock Resort is sure to have everyone's favorite game. There's even a 610-seat bingo hall (with a non-smoking section) and a keno lounge. Non-smokers can also enjoy a game of poker in Red Rock Resort's smoke-free poker room. A private high-limit room is available for high rollers, a mobile app is available for wagering and there's a 206-seat race and sports book with a 96-foot video wall for sports fans to watch and bet on all the latest games.
Recommended for Casinos because: The casino at Red Rock Resort has the typical casino games but also bingo and keno, which aren't offered in all casinos.
Terrisa's expert tip: When you need a break from the tables, the Red Rock has plenty of non-gambling things to do, like bowling and movie theaters, plus they have great restaurants.
Bellagio Las Vegas is a luxury property with an Italian-ish theme, but that only scratches the surface of this iconic Vegas hotel and casino. The atmosphere here is perhaps the biggest reason to stop in and check out the casino, with its high-class attitude and well-kept decor. Notably, Bellagio has a 7,000 square-foot poker room with two high-limit areas. On the casino floor, you'll find a race and sports book, table games like Pai Gow, craps, baccarat and slots. The classy, slightly less-smoky casino wins points from many players. The upscale clientele and a large selection of high-limits games attract gamblers looking for a more refined Vegas casino experience.
Recommended for Casinos because: The Bellagio's casino has an upscale feel with plenty of games, a sports book and a large poker room with two high-limit areas.
Terrisa's expert tip: If you're looking for the well-known, high-limit 'Bobby's Room' poker area, it's been renamed to the Legends Room. This smoke-free area includes tableside dining and a full-service cashier cage.
Just as you'd expect from a classic Las Vegas casino, The Mirage has the full array of expected games: blackjack, Baccarat, craps, roulette, a variety of poker and even casino war. Guests can also enjoy non-smoking tables, once an unusual feature in Las Vegas but something more people are requesting. Slots range from a penny per play to $1,000. A full-service, non-smoking race and sports book will let you watch and wager on all the games, which are broadcast on huge 85' HD projection screens. A sports bar is also available onsite, and VIP seating is offered as well. Mobile betting is also offered.
Recommended for Casinos because: With a wide range of games and a smoke-free race and sports book, the Mirage's casino is prepared for every type of gambler.
Terrisa's expert tip: The Mirage offers BetMGM, a mobile gaming app that allows bettors to place wagers on sports from anywhere--in the casino, in your room--as long as you're within the state.
The D in Downtown Las Vegas has been around for a while. Originally opened as the Sundance, later changed to Fitzgeralds, and now in its latest incarnation as The D, this long-time Fremont Street casino hotel is going stronger than ever. On the first floor, players will find a standard array of table games, slots and video gaming. On the second floor, the vibe is vintage with coin-operated machines. The D's Dancing Dealers® will spice up your game, and when you're in need of a break, LONGBAR offers over a thousand feet of counter, flair bartenders and video poker machines. On the second floor, Vue Bar gives you a great view of Fremont Street perfect for watching the Viva Vision light show.
Recommended for Casinos because: The D's selection of modern and vintage games means players are certain to find a table or machine that's just right for them.
Terrisa's expert tip: The D's second floor is home to a host of vintage gaming machines, like the Sigma Derby horse racing machine. If you miss the sound of quarters clanking through machines, this floor is for you.
The sleek and sophisticated casino at ARIA features more than 150,000 square feet of gaming space, including 1,940 slot machines and 145 table games. Gamblers can test their luck at blackjack, craps, baccarat, roulette, Let it Ride, Pai Gow and Ultimate Texas Hold'em, among other games. ARIA also has a luxurious 24-table poker room, a favorite stop among many poker players. ARIA also boasts an intimate (and non-smoking) race and sports book that can show up to 200 live events at once and displays big events on at least one of its 220-inch TVs, so bettors are never in danger of missing any of the action. You can also use your mobile device for sports betting from anywhere in the state of Nevada when you use the BetMGM app offered at ARIA and other MGM properties.
Recommended for Casinos because: ARIA's casino has an impressive array of table games and slots, a popular poker room and a non-smoking race and sports book.
Terrisa's expert tip: The popular poker room at ARIA holds a daily tournament at 1 p.m. On weekdays buy-in is $140, but weekends start at $240, when no-limit Hold'em is offered.
You don't have to be a high roller to feel like one at this upscale casino, featuring 111,000 square feet of gaming space. Alongside popular table games like baccarat, blackjack, Big 6, European roulette, mini-baccarat, Pai Gow poker, roulette and three card poker, guests will find all their favorite slot machines, including Wheel of Fortune and Monopoly. There's also a state-of-the-art race and sports book featuring a VIP section with individual wagering monitors and a 27-table poker room that offers a variety of games and limits to suit all levels of play. Daily tournaments are available, and players can dine without leaving their seats.
Recommended for Casinos because: The elegant Wynn Las Vegas offers guests a large casino floor and sports book, all with a sophisticated ambiance.
Terrisa's expert tip: If you plan on spending much time in the casino, be sure to join the players club, Wynn Rewards. You'll get discounts and benefits throughout the property.
The Venetian's stunning architecture provides bettors with one of the more memorable gambling environments on the Vegas Strip. Combined with its sister property, The Palazzo, The Venetian offers hundreds of table games in separate areas covering a huge area. Gaming options include blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps, Pai Gow poker and various novelty games. For guests who prefer playing the one-armed bandit, there are more than 1,000 slot machines to choose from at the Venetian alone. Even when the casino is busy, it's large enough that you never feel crowded. There's also poolside gaming available at The Palazzo, and the Venetian offers mobile gaming for race and sports book betting no matter where you are.
Recommended for Casinos because: With a large casino offering everything from slots to baccarat, The Venetian is sure to have the right game for every type of player.
Terrisa's expert tip: Sports fans may be disappointed to hear that the popular sports bar Lagasse's Stadium is closed, but the Venetian's nearly 10,000 square-foot Race & Sports Book still offers fans ample space to watch and bet on games.
Las Vegas is home to 160,000+ slot machines. People who don’t gamble or visit Vegas much don’t realize how much variety exists among these tens of thousands of games. Thanks to strict regulatory work, we know that the return to player percentage of Vegas slots ranges from 78% to almost 99%. Whether you’re an advantage gambler or not, you should recognize that some Vegas slot machines are designed to take more of your money and at a faster pace than others. In the industry, this is referred to as a machine’s “tightness” or “looseness.”
The loosest slots in Vegas in 2021 (and probably 2022) are at off-Strip casinos and casinos in North Las Vegas, at places like Fiesta Henderson or Sam’s Town near the Boulder Strip. Some slots at these off-Strip spots in Las Vegas are similar in theoretical return percentage to the more traditionally player-friendly slot games in Reno, some are even better than the average Reno machine.
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In this post, I’ll prove everything I just said with specific statistics, showing you how to find the loosest slots in Las Vegas in 2021. And let’s be honest, this information isn’t likely to change much in 2022, either.
Las Vegas Casinos Best Slot Payouts
What Are Loose Slots (In Vegas or Anywhere Else)?
A slot is loose if its theoretical return to player is high relative to other machines. RTP is measured as a theoretical percentage representing how much of a player’s money will be paid back out in winnings. The RTP tells you how much you stand to lose over a given period of time.
Loose slots have higher percentages.
Tight slots have lower percentages.
Loose vs. Tight Slots in Vegas Example
Let’s look an example:
50 Lions slot machines by Aristocrat are popular on Vegas casino floors. This is a 5-reel and 3-row video slot with all the modern features players like, with bonuses, wild symbols, a scatter symbol, but nothing too much in terms of video cut scenes or complex side bets or bonus games. It’s accessible to a huge number of players and that’s why you can find it on lots of different gaming floors.
The standard issue game of 50 Lions has an RTP of 94.71%.
That doesn’t mean that every version you find in Vegas has that same RTP – casinos are allowed to alter games to change the theoretical return percentage. This is done mainly by changing the pay tables in subtle ways or by actually changing the programming of the game itself.
This means that playing 50 Lions slots at the Peppermill Reno will be a totally different experience than playing at The Venetian on the Vegas Strip.
In fact, there could be as much as a 10% difference between that game at The Venetian and the game at the Peppermill.
Does RTP Really Affect a Slot Machine’s Play?
I think this question really means “Will I notice any difference between two games with different RTPs?”
Maybe, maybe not.
You have to take RTP numbers with a Vegas-sized grain of salt. That’s because these numbers only become true when you consider them over an infinite period of time. In the short-term, you will not see exactly 97% of your money paid back when you play a slot with a 97% RTP for an hour or two. In fact, the shorter amount of time you play, the less a game is like its posted RTP figure.
That’s because these numbers are calculated for an infinite bankroll used for an infinite amount of time.
But don’t ignore RTP.
It’s the best (meaning the most scientific) way we have of quantifying a slot’s relative return to the player. We also like it because in most places where gambling is legal, operators are required to report RTP figures for all their games. This is true in Las Vegas and the rest of Nevada’s gambling areas.
Where Are the Loosest Slots in Las Vegas in 2021 and 2022?
Okay, now that you’re an expert on the meaning of RTP in slot play, let’s help you zero in on the slots with the best RTP figures in the entire city of Las Vegas.
For starters, it’s important to know the average RTP figures for various slot game denominations on the Strip. Here’s a quick guide to the most common:
- $0.01 Slot Machines – 88.38%
- $0.05 Slot Machines – 91.64%
- $0.25 Slot Machines – 89.35%
- $1 Slot Machines – 92.43%
If you’re looking for loose Vegas slots on the Strip in 2021 and 2022, head for either the nickel slots or the more expensive $1 games, mostly found in the high limit area.
Let’s compare those figures to the same ones for North Las Vegas:
- $0.01 Slot Machines – 90.88%
- $0.05 Slot Machines – 95.29%
- $0.25 Slot Machines – 96.41%
- $1 Slot Machines – 95.39%
Obviously, every denomination offers a better RTP in North Vegas than their companion machines on the Strip. Will players notice the difference on penny slots?
Maybe not, but the higher the denomination of the machine, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to tell that you’re playing on a machine with a better theoretical return percentage.
The final set of numbers shows the theoretical return for games on the Boulder Strip:
- $0.01 Slot Machines – 90.38%
- $0.05 Slot Machines – 96.21%
- $0.25 Slot Machines – 96.13%
- $1 Slot Machines – 96.13%
Notice that some denominations are technically higher in the Boulder area than in North Vegas, while others are the opposite.
It’s not clear to me that you’ll notice much difference in a typical session of slot play, but some bettors really like to play on the best possible machines they can.
Where Are the Tightest Slots in Las Vegas in 2021 and 2022?
As a fun exercise, and as a cautionary tale for advantage gamblers looking to avoid tight slots, let’s take a quick look at the casinos with the tightest slots in Sin City.
Take note that all five of these are located prominently on the Vegas Strip.
The Venetian currently holds the title of Tight Slot Champion, with an average RTP across all their slots of 86.66%. That’s lower than the average slot RTP for the city of Las Vegas, which is right at 93%. It’s even lower than the overall RTP average for the Strip, which is 91.47%. About the only place you can play slot machines with a lower RTP average than the Venetian is the airport, where the average return is just over 85%.
The Bellagio is an icon, a gorgeous symbol of Vegas excess and American wealth. It’s also home to some really bad slots, in terms of RTP – the average slot machine here has a RTP of 87.42%. Sure, you can play at 2,300 different machines, among the biggest variety in the world, but you’re paying a small price for that privilege.
You should visit Caesars Palace for the Bacchanal Buffet, the world-class resort and amenities, and its poker room, which is among the best in the world. You should not visit if you’re looking for slots with low RTP figures, since the average here is 88.87%.
Mandalay Bay and its gold-plated windows give off a heck of a Vegas vibe. The average slot RTP here is 89.05%, well below average even for a Strip property.
The Mirage is a new entry to this list, and offers a similar product to Mandalay Bay, down to the average RTP on their slot machines. In 2020, the Mirage tightened up even more, producing a slot RTP average of 89.3%, middling at best for the Vegas Strip, where the tightness of the slots is a well-known thing.
Conclusion
In my experience, two kinds of people are looking for “loose slots.”
You’re either an advantage gambler looking for the mythical 98.8% layout of 50 Lions so you can squeeze every penny out of the casino, or you’re a newcomer who thinks you can find a magical slot that will guarantee winnings. To the first kind of gambler, I say “Carry on.” Using the information in this post, and a little bit of time on Google, you can easily find out where the slots are loose and tight in Las Vegas in 2021. And 2022 looks to be much the same – it’s unlikely that looser slots are on the horizon as soon as next year.
If you’re the type who believes that they can find a slot machine so loose that it guarantees a payday, a word of warning. Slot machines are literally designed to take your money, and the manufacturers and gaming providers advertise this information publicly. Gambling is entertainment, with a fun and distracting game that gives you the chance to win a little bit of prize money. There’s no sure-thing in Las Vegas – not on the Strip, not in the North, and not in the airport gate.
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If you want to find loose slots because it will increase the value of your entertainment budget, use the tools here to do just that. If you’re looking for loose slots as part of your retirement strategy, please understand that all gambling entails risk. Play for fun, not for profit.