DECATUR — Five years after the first legalized video gaming machine went online, Illinois now has one terminal for every 481 residents — a ratio so small, so unexpected, that.
They are VLTs correct? So playing them is a bad idea correct?
They actually call them 'Video Gaming Terminals' (VGTs) because the lottery does not run the game. Regardless of the name, the games are all RNG-driven just like in Vegas and Illinois riverboats. So slots and video poker act exactly the same.
The technical standards of Illinois VGTs may be found here:
http://www.igb.illinois.gov/VideoGaming/Technical%20Standards%20for%20Video%20Gaming%20Terminals%20in%20IL%20v1.3.pdf
But with video poker, the game is usually has lower pay tables than I would like. The law capping a win at $500 hurts the game too since a royal with 5 quarters bet is usually $1000. Also I wouldn't recommend playing VP for more than 5 quarters because of this payout cap. The best video poker I have found so far is 7/5 Super Aces Bonus (97.61% 1-coin; 97.92% 5-Coin). I've found it on IGT games in multiple locations.
Lately, the overall return of these games (includes both slots and video poker; heavily weighted by slots because penny slots are the most popular games) is about 92%. The riverboats are closer to 91% right now. The biggest drawback to the 'bar games' though is that they don't have loyalty programs usually (it is legal for them to have such a setup though) and the atmosphere is nothing close to an actual riverboat.
They actually call them 'Video Gaming Terminals' (VGTs) because the lottery does not run the game. Regardless of the name, the games are all RNG-driven just like in Vegas and Illinois riverboats. So slots and video poker act exactly the same.
The technical standards of Illinois VGTs may be found here:
http://www.igb.illinois.gov/VideoGaming/Technical%20Standards%20for%20Video%20Gaming%20Terminals%20in%20IL%20v1.3.pdf
But with video poker, the game is usually has lower pay tables than I would like. The law capping a win at $500 hurts the game too since a royal with 5 quarters bet is usually $1000. Also I wouldn't recommend playing VP for more than 5 quarters because of this payout cap. The best video poker I have found so far is 7/5 Super Aces Bonus (97.61% 1-coin; 97.92% 5-Coin). I've found it on IGT games in multiple locations.
Lately, the overall return of these games (includes both slots and video poker; heavily weighted by slots because penny slots are the most popular games) is about 92%. The riverboats are closer to 91% right now. The biggest drawback to the 'bar games' though is that they don't have loyalty programs usually (it is legal for them to have such a setup though) and the atmosphere is nothing close to an actual riverboat.
I was hoping you would reply, thanks for the wealth of information on the VGTs. So it sounds like if I find a good game one credit might be my best bet on it? Also do you know of any recourse if the bar 86s the machine so they don't have to pay out?
I was hoping you would reply, thanks for the wealth of information on the VGTs. So it sounds like if I find a good game one credit might be my best bet on it? Also do you know of any recourse if the bar 86s the machine so they don't have to pay out?
Well, one credit pays very similar to five credits for video poker by percentage, and since the games are all negative longterm, I usually just play 7/5 Super Aces for 1 quarter when I briefly play these things when I visit the Chicagoland area. I haven't found a game that's positive, and it's doubtful you ever will. It's against the law for any machine to be > 100% in the long-term. So the only way a game could possibly be positive is if they put a progressive slot game on the units, which I don't think I have found so far.
And I'm not sure what exactly you mean by the latter question. Are you saying when a malfunction in the machine occurs, so they have an issue in paying you? Unfortunately this is probably a more fuzzy area, and resolution of the problem will be a lot more difficult/time intensive than at the riverboats because the bar employees there will be ill-equipped to fix the problem, and will likely have to call the VGT manufacturer to have one of their employees to be sent out to fix the problem. I would assume you would eventually get paid, but I dunno how long it would take. Fortunately, I have never seen a unit malfunction in my limited play on these things so far.
If the bar literally gets rid of their video gaming terminals (has any bar actually done this yet??), then I would expect they would still have to honor any vouchers until their expiration dates. Here is the relative law for this scenario: http://ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/011/011018000N14200R.html
Well, one credit pays very similar to five credits for video poker by percentage, and since the games are all negative longterm, I usually just play 7/5 Super Aces for 1 quarter when I briefly play these things when I visit the Chicagoland area. I haven't found a game that's positive, and it's doubtful you ever will. It's against the law for any machine to be > 100% in the long-term. So the only way a game could possibly be positive is if they put a progressive slot game on the units, which I don't think I have found so far.
And I'm not sure what exactly you mean by the latter question. Are you saying when a malfunction in the machine occurs, so they have an issue in paying you? Unfortunately this is probably a more fuzzy area, and resolution of the problem will be a lot more difficult/time intensive than at the riverboats because the bar employees there will be ill-equipped to fix the problem, and will likely have to call the VGT manufacturer to have one of their employees to be sent out to fix the problem. I would assume you would eventually get paid, but I dunno how long it would take. Fortunately, I have never seen a unit malfunction in my limited play on these things so far.
If the bar literally gets rid of their video gaming terminals (has any bar actually done this yet??), then I would expect they would still have to honor any vouchers until their expiration dates. Here is the relative law for this scenario:
My friend was playing at a bar and hit a couple hundred dollar jackpot, the owner not wanting to pay it out unplugged the bank of machines.
My friend was playing at a bar and hit a couple hundred dollar jackpot, the owner not wanting to pay it out unplugged the bank of machines.
LOL wow. I would have immediately called the phone number on the sign that should be posted on the outside of every gaming area. The game result would be stored in memory for awhile. If this happened last night though, I'm not sure as the minimum requirement is only 10 games of recall (but it could be able to store more). I'd still call this number if I was him. And of course, never play, eat, or drink there again.
http://www.igb.illinois.gov/VideoGaming/VGSignRequirements.pdf
Illinois Gaming Board Hotline: 1-855-494-0237
LOL wow. I would have immediately called the phone number on the sign that should be posted on the outside of every gaming area. The game result would be stored in memory for awhile. If this happened last night though, I'm not sure as the minimum requirement is only 10 games of recall (but it could be able to store more). I'd still call this number if I was him. And of course, never play, eat, or drink there again.
http://www.igb.illinois.gov/VideoGaming/VGSignRequirements.pdf
Illinois Gaming Board Hotline: 1-855-494-0237
He called when it happened, this was about a month ago, though I don't know what exactly came of it. Pretty sure they ended up kicking him out by the end of everything because he was obviously irate. I'm just debating going there and trying my luck and see if the owner is stupid enough to do it again. The bar is literally a minute from my house and I wouldn't mind seeing what I can do with $100 there
He called when it happened, this was about a month ago, though I don't know what exactly came of it. Pretty sure they ended up kicking him out by the end of everything because he was obviously irate. I'm just debating going there and trying my luck and see if the owner is stupid enough to do it again. The bar is literally a minute from my house and I wouldn't mind seeing what I can do with $100 there
I'd probably get kicked out too at some point if it happened to me. And I would probably ask what happened with your friend first. If he didn't get paid, then you're really, really gambling. I have a bad feeling the owner cashed the machine out after the bar was empty. Also if the owner didn't get punished either, then it's definitely possible he'd do it again. I would drive further just to avoid playing there; there are like 5 bars within 5 minutes of my g/f's parents' house for example. But if you still decide to play there, make sure you cashout any sizable hit immediately, and ideally play when the owner wasn't looking. The game I typically play pays $100 for 4 Aces if you bet a quarter. $500 if you bet $1.25, so he would definitely have an incentive to screw me over if he thought he could get away with it.
I'd probably get kicked out too at some point if it happened to me. And I would probably ask what happened with your friend first. If he didn't get paid, then you're really, really gambling. I have a bad feeling the owner cashed the machine out after the bar was empty. Also if the owner didn't get punished either, then it's definitely possible he'd do it again. I would drive further just to avoid playing there; there are like 5 bars within 5 minutes of my g/f's parents' house for example. But if you still decide to play there, make sure you cashout any sizable hit immediately, and ideally play when the owner wasn't looking. The game I typically play pays $100 for 4 Aces if you bet a quarter. $500 if you bet $1.25, so he would definitely have an incentive to screw me over if he thought he could get away with it.
I have a casino within 15 minutes of where I live I am more going to see if he would really do it again and if he does make sure he gets punished for it. The bar in question is a terrible place that draws a terrible crowd. It is the worst...but if I can take money from it I will and if he wants to pull some shady business, I won't let it happen. I will have to check out what games they have and see what the best pay table is, hopefully they have the one you speak of and I can hit a nice 4 aces and see how they handle it.
Whilst many people decide which slot to play based on the theme, special features or promotional offers, the savvy gamblers steer towards slots with the highest RTP. The house edge of online slot machines can vary widely, and it stands to reason that the lower the house edge, the better your chances of winning.
| Top RTP Slots | RTP | Bet Limits | Free Spins | Paylines | Rows | Reels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Hammer 2 | 97.10% | £0.50 – £250 | 10-20 | 99 | 3 | 15 |
| Simsalabim | 97.50% | £0.25 – £125 | Yes | 25 | 3 | 5 |
| Retro Reels Extreme Heat | 97.50% | £0.30 – £112.50 | Up to 20 | 30 | 3 | 5 |
| Devil’s Delight | 97.60% | £0.20 – £40 | Yes | 20 | 3 | 5 |
| Kings of Chicago | 97.80% | £0.05 – £50 | Up to 30 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Starmania | 97.87% | £0.10 – £20 | 10 | 10 | 3 | 5 |
| Blood Suckers | 98.00% | £0.25 – £50 | 10 | 25 | 3 | 5 |
| 1429 Uncharted Seas | 98.60% | £0.10 – £100 | 25 | 50 | 3 | 5 |
| Jackpot 6000 | 95.10 – 98.90% | £1 – £2 | No | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Mega Joker | 99% | £1 – £5 | No | 5 | 3 | 3 |
Of course, you should keep in mind that only the best slot sites to win offer high payout games from which you can take advantage. The return to player percentage of a game is measured over thousands of game rounds, and it stands to reason that the higher the RTP, the better the deal for the player. With this in mind, I have decided to create a list of the 10 online slots with the highest RTP.
#10 Jack Hammer 2 (NetEnt) – 97.1% RTP
Jack Hammer 2 is the first of many NetEnt slots to make this top 10 list. This entertaining slot has a crime and adventure theme, captured in a comic book style. There are an impressive 99 bet lines in this game, providing plenty of opportunities to win. It also boasts a variety of interesting features that make the game exciting to play, whilst creating chances to win. The Sticky Win feature sees any winning symbol combinations held in place for a free re-spin, and they continue until no new wins are created. There is also a free spin feature, where you get up to 20 free plays, where all wins are doubled and extra wilds randomly land on the reels. Jack Hammer 2 has a player-friendly RTP of 97.1%
#9 Simsalabim (NetEnt) – 97.5% RTP
This magical themed slot recreates all the excitement of a magic show. The stage is set, with symbols such as a magician’s wand and top hat, a caged dove and a Houdini-style chained chest. The hypnotist is wild, helping to complete winning symbol combinations. When you play Simsalabim, keep your eyes peeled for 3 bunny rabbit symbols on the first 3 reels. These trigger the bonus game, where you pull rabbits from the hats to reveal cash prizes of up to 50500 coins. The slot also features a free spins round, which provides the potential for big wins thanks to the triple payouts. All these features combine to provide a great RTP of 97.5%.
#8 Retro Reels Extreme Heat (Microgaming) – 97.5% RTP
The RTP of 97.5% is one of the highest you will find in the Microgaming slots selection.Retro Reels Extreme Heat has an old-school feel, with symbols you’d expect to see on a classic fruit machine, including cherries, lemons, bells, bars and 7’s. At the same time as providing a retro feel, it includes many features which you’d expect from a modern video slot. There is a free spin bonus, where you can get up to 20 free plays with all wins doubled. There are also wild substitutions and scatter pays. A highlight is the innovative re-spin feature. After any spin, you can choose to spin just one reel, which allows increased chances of winning.
#7 Devil’s Delight (NetEnt) – 97.6% RTP
Unleash your inner devil in this NetEnt video slot. Set against a fiery backdrop and tombstones, the 5 reels are filled with symbols from the underworld.Devil’s Delight is packed full of exciting features that provide plenty of chances to stack up the wins. The devil wild expands to cover entire reels. Whilst the free spins bonus features win multipliers of up to x5. Yet the real highlight of the game is the unique Soul Reaper bonus game. Match the correct sin to each character their soul will be added to the Soul-O-Meter whilst you reap a coin prize. When the Soul-O-Meter is filled with 15 souls, the Sin Spins feature is activated. Here, you get 10 Sin Spins where you can pocket some juicy rewards. With so many cool features and a high RTP of 97.6%, this is one hell of a slot!
#6 Kings of Chicago (NetEnt) – 97.8% RTP
Kings of Chicago mixes the best elements of a video slot with classic poker. The game is played with a deck of cards, which is shuffled before each round. Unlike normal slot machines, where payouts are made for matching symbols across paylines, in this slot, you win if you have a poker hand on one of the five paylines. The game includes a joker, which substitutes for all cards. Plus, the scatter label can randomly appear on any card. Get 3 or more and free deals, the equivalent of free spins are triggered. You can bag up to 30 free deals in the special feature and all wins are doubled. This innovative slot machine provides a unique twist on what you expect from a video slot, and boasts an impressive RTP of 97.8%.
#5 Starmania (NextGen) – 97.87% RTP
With colourful star symbols set against a pretty outer space background and a spacey, ethereal soundtrack, this NextGen slot is a real treat for the senses. Wilds are stacked onto the reels boosting your shot at winning combinations. There is also a free games feature, where extra stacked wilds can help create some big wins. The game features 10 paylines and wins are paid in both directions. With every line win, you also have the option to gamble your prize, for a chance to double or even quadruple your win multiple times. The great graphics, exciting features and favourable RTP of 97.87% make Starmania a real hit with players.
#4 Blood Suckers (NetEnt) – 98% RTP
The vampire genre has never been more popular, and it is the inspiration for this spooky NetEnt slot. You’ll see various Blood Suckers adorning the reels, along with the weapons to fight them off. It is not merely the impressive 98% RTP that draws players to this slot, but also the rich selection of special features. There are wild substitutions, scatter pays, free spins with triple payouts and a vampire slaying bonus game. Trigger the bonus and you will find yourself in an ancient burial chamber, filled with coffins. Open the coffins to slay vampires, earning coin wins with each creature you defeat.
#3 1429 Uncharted Seas (Thunderkick) – 98.6% RTP
This video slot from Thunderkick is visually stunning. The reels are replaced with a medieval style hand-drawn map and the symbols include a variety of sea creatures and beasts as well as sun, moon and star symbols. The slot includes a wild symbol which expands to cover entire reels, helping to create bigger wins. There is also a free spins bonus where you can earn up to 50 free goes. 1429 Unchartered Seas has a rewarding RTP of 98.6%, one of the highest you will find in a video slot, making it a popular choice with players.
#2 Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt) – Up to 98.8% RTP
Jackpot 6000 is a thrilling classic slot machine from NetEnt with a real old-school vibe. You can play with up to 5 paylines active, betting between 1 and 10 coins per spin. It is highly recommended to play with the maximum bet of 10 coins however, as this creates the possibility of triggering Supermeter mode. In this game mode, you can win a mystery prize of between 10 – 6000 coins when just 2 joker symbols land anywhere on the reels. Also, getting 3 jokers on a payline in Supermeter mode guarantees a jackpot payout of 6000 coins. When you play Jackpot 6000 with 1 – 8 coins, the RTP is a paltry 74.9% – 79.2%. Yet with 10 coins in play, the RTP ranges from 95.1% – 98.8%. The variance is because Supermeter mode is skill based, so you can directly impact the outcome.
#1 Mega Joker (NetEnt) – Up to 99% RTP
Whilst Jackpot 6000 boasts an extremely high RTP, it is just beaten to the top spot by another NetEnt classic slot; Mega Joker. Bet with just 1 coin and the RTP is an underwhelming 76.9%. Yet on the other hand, a max bet of 10 coins elevates the RTP to between 89.1% – 99%. Furthermore, it provides bigger payouts and the Supermeter mode. In Supermeter mode, you need to choose the bet level and the optimum level at which to collect your winnings. It is this element of skill which can increase the RTP. The skill component, retro style and engaging gameplay make Mega Joker a firm favourite with players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because our goal is to keep you well informed we have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions and our team of experts has provided the answers below.
🏆 What are the best paying slots?
Illinois Slot Machine Reports
The best paying slots are the ones that feature a high RTP because that translates to a small house edge such as NetEnt’s Jack Hammer 2 slot or Simsalabim, with a return to player percentage of over 97%.
✍ How do I choose a good slot machine?
Illinois Slot Machine Games
In choosing a good slot machine a player should look for high payouts, volatility and the features of the game itself. For example, you are bound to have a higher return on your investment while playing a slot with free spins and multipliers.
💱 What is the average payout on slot machines?
The average payout on slot machine varies among slots but you are going to find a higher return-to-player percentage in the recommended online casinos as compared to the traditional slot machines. Blood Suckers slot and 1429 Uncharted Seas slot have a very high RTP of over 98%.
🎰 What is a high variance slot machine?
High variance slots are destined for gamblers who are willing to play for huge wins.Kings of Chicago is a great example in that direction because it features not only a high RTP but also a high variance, which makes it ideal for our example. Flexible betting limits, free spins and a unique twist on slots as we know them are just a few perks of enjoying this title.
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