Slot Machines Vs Video Lottery Terminals

1. How Do Vlt Slots Work
2. Vlt Slots Games

In VLT slots, players play each other on a network, where there is a guaranteed number of winners amongst them. A VLT may be a land-based machine or may be accessed online. Like thousands of slots players who use VegasSlotsOnline.com every day, you now have instant access to over 7780 free online slots that you can play right here. Our free slot games may be.

Slot Machines and Video Lottery Terminals look the same but don’t function or pay out the same way.

Slot Machines generally use a random number generator (RNG) , which is basically a “computer chip ” inside generating random numbers and telling the reels where to stop.

Here is an excerpt from an American Gaming Association White Paper in 2010 regarding slots:

HOW DOES A SLOT MACHINE WORK?
Although a single play of a slot machine takes but a few seconds, it involves many steps inside the machine. The player selects the amount he wishes to bet on each play. Once play begins, the machine’s random number generator identifies a number for
each field of the machine’s screen. Through a two-step process, the computer processor within the machine (the “gameprocessor”) translates each number into the symbol that will display in each field.First, based on a program developed for the game by its designer, the game processor assigns each randomly-generatednumber to a “reel stop.” (In a mechanical slot machine, a reel stop is a location on the spinning reel; in a video slot machine, a
reel stop is a location on a virtual reel.) Each reel stop is designed to produce a specific symbol for display on the screen.Whenthe game’s audio and visual effects are completed, the symbols are displayed.At the same time, the game processor evaluates those symbols that will display on the “paylines” of the game’s screen. Ifany symbol or group of symbols matches a winning combination, that payline or field is marked as a win. The processor
calculates the amount won based on the odds incorporated into the game and the amount the customer bet. The screen notifiesthe player of the win, and also if a bonus is awarded. Every win is added to the player’s credit meter. The machine’s accounting
meters record the result of the play, which also is transmitted to the casino’s accounting and player reward system.After each game, a player can decide to play again — using the same wager configuration or a different one — or completethe gaming session by cashing out the credit meter for a redeemable ticket or currency. If the player makes another wager, this
process repeats in the same manner, independent of the results of any prior games.

Video Lottery Terminals are more akin to a computer generated “scratch off” ticket.They are connected to a central computer system run by the lottery. Every time you pull the lever or press the button you are “scratching off ” another lottery ticket with a predetermined win or loss.. This includes the video poker VLT’s.
If you have ever played the video poker games you’ll know that there is a “genie” or some other gimmick that occasionally switches a card or cards at the end of your second spin to give you a winning hand or a better winning hand. This is because the outcome is already known to the terminal and it will pay out the predetermined win no matter what you do; assuming this hand was a predetermined winning hand and not a predetermined losing hand according to the information sent from the lottery central system.
So , one example is, if your poker machine is sent a signal for a winning hand and you have three Ace’s and you discard all three aces and end up with a losing hand the “genie” will change your cards after the second spin to show a hand of at least three Ace’s or a similar hand that will pay out the same as three Ace’s.

This is from a NYS Government Accounting audit report concerning VLT’s :

VLTs resemble “casino” slot machines. The fundamental difference is that the results of each play on a VLT are determined by a central computer located at a Lottery facility to which all VLTs are connected. A predetermined random formula is used for each play of the machine………

……..The VLTs are required to pay bettors a minimum return of 90 percent of credits played, theactual monies bet by patrons. The remaining VLT funds (“net win”) are distributed to education;the respective VLT Facility operators and NYRA for purses, marketing, and capital projects; and the Lottery, to cover its costs of administering the VLT program. The VLT operators also retain a percentage of net win as a commission for administering the VLTs.

From NYS Gaming Commission:Video Lottery Terminals and Electronic Table Games: Similar in appearance to classic slot machines or as simulated classic table games, these terminals are linked to a centralized system maintained by the Gaming Commission that tracks the game play and earnings for each game.

Video lottery gaming operations began in 2004 at Saratoga Gaming & Raceway in Saratoga Springs and have since expanded to eight additional facilities. As of January 1, 2013, there were 17,213 such machines operating in New York State.

casino payout

Payout:
As noted in the NYS Government Accounting white paper, Video
Lottery Terminals (VLT’s) , in NY are required to payout a minimum of 90% return on credits played. Looking at recent statistics the nine racinos have been paying just under 91% to as high as 94% at times. Slot machines in NY are only found in the Indian Casinos at this time (Three new commercial casinos are due to be operational in NY in 2016) and I don’t see any slot machine payout information for them and they are not required to post it , as far as i know.

Here is a clip from the Empire Raceway fiscal year 2014/2015 report (click to enlarge):

You will see that the payout percentage (credits won) is over 92% for this time period. This clip of the report also shows the “net win” for Empire City Casino.

Looking at other slot payout information throughout the country it appears that slot payout can run from 89% up to a high of 97% in some Las Vegas casinos. A bad or tight pay out for slots only hurts the casino in the long run as it appears that slots make up a large portion of their earnings and if there is a lot of competition , I would assume that, players will move towards the casinos with better payouts.

IMPORTANT UPDATE RE: COVID-19

In accordance with public health directives, Atlantic Lottery’s video lottery operations (VLTs) began reactivation in those locations reopening under provincial economic recovery guidelines.
VLT operations will be suspended in any area where public health directives require restaurants and licensed establishments to temporarily close.

We’re taking several steps to ensure the safety and comfort of our players, retailers and field staff as video lottery resumes, including:

Physical distancing

• VLTs will be adjusted to ensure physical distancing requirements are respected. Based on the capacity of specific sites, Atlantic Lottery will work with retailers to either increase space between terminals (where possible) or activate a limited number of terminals to ensure a minimum six-foot distance.
• Outline player areas on the floor and use arrows to identify traffic flow.
• Remove chairs from any non-operational terminals to reduce gathering of players.
• All public health directives regarding mask wearing must be followed while in the gaming area.

Enhanced disinfecting

• Atlantic Lottery employees will be on-site to clean and sanitize all terminals, chairs and other surfaces prior to resuming operations.
• VLTs and chairs will be further cleaned and disinfected after each use.
• Like all businesses, VLT locations will be required to pre-screen patrons before entering their locations.
• Atlantic Lottery provided all VLT sites with an initial supply of hand sanitizer for employees and players.
• Atlantic Lottery field staff will be equipped with appropriate PPE (masks and gloves), which must be worn while on-site and employees must sanitize hands prior to entering any VL location.

Communication and support

• Posters will be provided to be displayed on-site to educate players and patrons how to play safely, reminding to:
  • Keep a six-foot distance
  • Sanitize hands
  • Only have one person at each VLT at a time
• Signage on VLTs indicating any inactive machines.
• Provide retailers with training and materials on how to properly clean and sanitize terminals.
• Providing ongoing information and support to video lottery operators through CCC and field staff.

The safety and wellbeing of Atlantic Lottery’s players, retailers, field staff and the public at large is our singular priority. It will take approximately two weeks for all video lottery locations in each province to become operational as our field staff conduct training, deliver supplies and reactivate the terminals. This will also allow our field staff to work with each retailer to find the best solution for players and employees at their specific location.

Video Lottery

Video Lottery provides an interactive, entertaining way to play games of chance and win small cash prizes. You can find Video Lottery terminals (VLTs) in licensed liquor establishments like restaurants and bars across Atlantic Canada.

The Video Lottery program in Atlantic Canada offers a variety of games, including reel games and keno. We add new games regularly to give players lots of choice.

Payout Percentages

The minimum regulated payout percentage in Atlantic Canada is 80%. This means that at minimum, 80% of all money played is returned to players in prizes, in varying amounts. The payout percentage is higher than the actual cash-out percentage because consumers play the prizes they win in order to extend their play.

Games and Payout Percentages

^{Games are added regularly, so be sure to check back for updates.}

Responsible VLT Gambling

Atlantic Lottery takes many steps to ensure a responsible gambling environment. For instance:

• Responsible gambling training is provided to all VLT operators.
  
• Several features are available on VLTs to help manage responsible play, including ‘time played’ reminders, mandatory cash-out at 150 minutes of play, displaying cash not credits, maximum bets and cash-in limits and more.
• Voluntary features are available in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island. These include the ability to set money spent limits, track historical money and time played, self-assessment tools and responsible gambling tutorials.

Where do I Find Video Lottery?

Please call 1-800-561-3942 to find out which Video Lottery locations are nearest to you.

For account inquiries or registration assistance: 1-877-252-3287.

For all other inquiries 1-800.-561-3942.

You can also use our online form at any time.

How Do Vlt Slots Work

Head Office
PO Box 5500, 922 Main
Moncton, NB E1C 8W6
Mon to Fri 8:30am to 4:30pm

Nova Scotia Office

1680 Argyle Street
Halifax NS, B3J 0G2
Mon to Wed 9:00am to 6:00pm
Thurs to Frid 9:00am to 8:00pm
Sat 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Sun – closed

Vlt Slots Games

Newfoundland and Labrador Office
30 Hallett Crescent
St. John's, NL, A1B 4C5
Mon to Fri 8:30am to 4:30pm