UNLV Reports: Slot Machines in Nevada Show a Gradual Increase in Hold Percentage
Players Notice Slots Becoming More Restrictive
A recent study from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) indicates that slot machines across Nevada are becoming less generous, a change that has not gone unnoticed by players. This trend raises the question of whether the hold percentage for slot machines remains within legal limits.
Understanding Nevada’s Slot Machine Return-to-Player Requirements
State law mandates that all slot machines maintain a minimum return-to-player (RTP) rate of 75%. In practice, most modern slots exceed this threshold considerably, often featuring RTPs around 93.5% for physical casino machines, and sometimes higher for online slots.
Higher RTPs tend to benefit players by extending gameplay duration, which also helps casinos build customer loyalty. Despite this, there is a growing sentiment among gamblers that slot machines have tightened up, offering fewer returns than before.
Some speculate this shift might explain why Nevada casinos report increased revenues even as visitor numbers decline. While it could be due to higher spending by regular patrons, many attribute the rise to a higher house hold percentage — the portion of money the casino retains.
UNLV Clarifies Casinos Adhere to RTP Regulations
According to UNLV’s report, the average casino hold percentage over the last twenty years has been about 6.55%, comfortably within legal limits. However, data shows this hold has slowly increased by roughly 26% in the past decade, projected to average 7.15% in 2025. Areas such as Las Vegas have seen even greater increases, with average hold percentages reaching 7.57%.
This rise in hold percentage, while legal, means players are recovering less money than in previous years, leading to dissatisfaction among gamblers who prefer higher RTP machines.
Experts from UNLV emphasize that casinos would not risk surpassing the maximum permissible hold percentage of 25%. Such an increase would not only drive players away but could also result in the loss of the casino’s license.
Slot machines with the lowest RTPs currently operate at about 86%, while others offer looser play options with RTPs near 96%, catering to a range of player preferences.
UNLV concludes that despite these minor increases in hold percentages, the element of chance continues to have a major influence on gaming outcomes. Consequently, monthly financial reports do not always accurately reflect the RTP settings of slot machines at any given time.
