Downtown Slot Machines Aren't Natural Winners Compared to the Strip
In a recent study, the common belief that downtown slots in Las Vegas have a higher return-to-player (RTP) ratio than Strip slots has been called into question. However, it's important to note that there isn't publicly available comprehensive data comparing the exact RTP ratios of slot machines specifically in Downtown Las Vegas casinos versus those on the Las Vegas Strip since 2020.
Industry reports and expert analyses suggest that downtown casinos typically have lower RTPs on slots compared to the Strip. This is often attributed to downtown casinos catering more to locals and budget-conscious players, which can lead to slightly lower payout percentages to maintain profit margins. On the other hand, Strip casinos usually offer higher RTPs on many slot machines as they attract more tourists, high rollers, and jackpot chasers, thus often promoting more player-friendly payout rates to encourage longer play.
RTPs generally range from about 85% to 95%, but detailed, machine-by-machine or casino-by-casino RTP data is not publicly disclosed due to it being considered proprietary. Since 2020, there have been no significant reports or studies highlighting a major shift or consistent RTP differential change between Downtown and Strip slot machines amid market fluctuations due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other factors.
Anthony F. Lucas, a professor of casino management at UNLV and a former gaming industry operations analyst, believes that downtown casino operators may be using the past higher RTPs as a strategy, combined with the inability of reel slot players to detect small differences in the RTP percentage. In 2021, a study by Lucas and Katherine Spilde demonstrated that slot players are unable to detect differences in a slot machine's return-to-player (RTP) ratio.
The study, published in Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, compared the daily performance of four pairs of slot machine titles over six months. The high RTP game in each pairing was set to return a little over $95 per $100 wagered, while the low RTP games were set to return about $85 per $100 in wagers. There was no evidence of slot players switching from the low RTP slots to the high RTP slots during the experimental period.
While the study's findings do not necessarily imply that reel slots are bad for players, it suggests that casino operators may be using the past higher RTPs as a strategy, as players are unable to detect small differences in the RTP percentage. It's essential for gamblers to be aware of this strategy and make informed decisions when playing slots in both downtown and Strip casinos.
The article was last updated on March 24, 2025, at 10:50h. Corey Levitan and Commercial Gaming, Entertainment, and Expert Insight published this article. For the past four years, Strip casinos have been returning more to players on their slot machines than downtown casinos. If you want exact, up-to-date RTP numbers, you might consider contacting the Nevada Gaming Control Board or consulting casino-wide gaming reports, but they typically provide aggregated data rather than location-specific RTPs. Game mix can affect the overall RTP, and the data used in the study did not isolate performance by game type.
If the downtown market had a greater proportion of video poker play, its overall RTP could potentially be higher. However, the study focused on reel slots, which are more prevalent in downtown casinos. It's important for gamblers to be aware of these differences and make informed decisions when playing slots in both downtown and Strip casinos.
In conclusion, while the belief that downtown slots have a higher RTP ratio compared to Strip slots is widely held, there is no definitive public data to confirm a consistent, significant difference since 2020. Gamblers should be aware of the strategies casino operators may be using and make informed decisions based on their gaming preferences and budgets.
- In a recent study, the idea that downtown Las Vegas slot machines have a higher return-to-player (RTP) ratio than those on the Las Vegas Strip has been questioned.
- Industry reports and analysts suggest downtown casinos often have lower RTPs on slots compared to the Strip, catering more to locals and budget-conscious players.
- Strip casinos, on the other hand, offer higher RTPs on many slot machines, attracting more tourists, high rollers, and jackpot chasers.
- The RTP percentages of specific slot machines in Downtown Las Vegas casinos versus those on the Las Vegas Strip since 2020 are not publicly available due to being considered proprietary.
- A study by Anthony F. Lucas and Katherine Spilde in 2021 showed that slot players are unable to detect differences in a slot machine's return-to-player (RTP) ratio.
- For the past four years, Strip casinos in Las Vegas have been returning more to players on their slot machines than downtown casinos.
- Gamblers should be aware of these differences and make informed decisions when playing slots in both downtown and Strip casinos, as casino operators may be using strategies to maintain profit margins.
