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Myth-Busting UNLV Study Reveals that Gamblers Can’t Detect Slot Machine Payout Percentages

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Myth-Busting UNLV Study Reveals that Gamblers Can’t Detect Slot Machine Payout PercentagesReading Time: 3 minutes

 

As casino operators optimize the house advantage, a new UNLV study contradicts long-held beliefs about a player’s ability to detect differences in how much – and how often – a slot machine pays.

 

It’s a common sight on casino floors: patrons jumping from slot machine to slot machine before eventually hunkering down at a game that’s due for the next big payout. But can players – even the regulars who frequent a particular property – really tell the difference between the house edge on one game from that of another?

Nope. At least not according to a series of recent studies led by Anthony Lucas, a UNLV Hospitality College professor and former gaming industry operations analyst.

For the past several years, Lucas and colleague Katherine Spilde from San Diego State University have taken to casino floors on multiple properties in the U.S., Australia, and Mexico to investigate. Their results contradict long-held beliefs by casino operators about a player’s ability to detect differences in how much – and how often – a slot machine pays.

“I think some operators are naturally and understandably cautious of new information that challenges traditional industry practices,” said Lucas. “But we must consider how we know what we know. This is where our work takes on a Moneyball-like aspect – questioning the wisdom of widely held beliefs when data show that a new way of thinking may be better.”

In their latest study, the UNLV-led research team compared two pairs of reel slot games at a “locals” casino in suburban Sydney, Australia, where all wagering occurs on electronic gaming devices.

Their process is relatively straightforward: take two identical slot machines, positioned in similar places on a casino floor, but vary the par – the percent of total coin-in that the machine keeps over time. For example, if the par on a game is set at 10 percent, the machine would be expected to retain $10 of every $100 wagered, on average, over the long term. But in the short term, this rarely happens, increasing the difficulty of par detection.

For this study, researchers compared the daily performance of pairings for the games “Tokyo Rose” and “Dragon’s Fortune X” over a nine-month period. The pars within each pairing ranged from 7.98 percent on the low end to 14.93 percent on the high end.

Researchers measured daily coin-in for each machine as well as its T-win, a formula that multiplies coin-in and par to calculate a machine’s expected value, or its theoretical win. If, over the course of the nine-month test, regular players could detect a difference in the pars, this comparison would reveal whether (and how much) players migrated from higher par to lower par games.

As Lucas predicted, differences between the high and low par games remained stable throughout the length of the study, which meant that there was no statistically significant indication of play migration.

And while the lower par machines had more coin-in over the course of the study period, the T-win was greater on average for the high par machines. The positive impact from the elevated T-win on revenue for the higher par machines more than compensated for the decline in coin-in on those machines.

“Casino operators should take note of the substantial increases in T-win, as they are responsible for optimizing revenues, not coin-in,” said Lucas.

The results were also consistent with findings from the team’s previous studies, which analyzed 11 pairs of games over 180 days at gaming properties in U.S., Mexico and Australia.

So, other than busting one of gaming’s great myths, why does this matter?

Pars are an important factor for casinos looking to optimize revenues, as the bulk of slot revenues come from reel slots, and a lion’s share of a casino’s overall profits come from slot operations. While there are exceptions to this rule, it is true for most of the world’s casinos.

“Ultimately, operators are responsible for optimizing slot revenues, which is no simple task,” Lucas said. “Knowing which par will produce the greatest win is most helpful, but the optimization issue becomes more complex when the possibility of player detection is introduced.”

That’s where industry perspective is mixed, as operators have expressed concerns that short-term gains from higher pars could lead to long-term losses as players leave perceived “tight” slot floors for the greener pastures of their competitors.

To account for this concern, researchers extended length of time from previous work, from six months to nine months. They also expanded the difference in pars between matched pairs from 4.9 percent in the initial study to 6.95 percent in the current study.

In a concurrent study, the researchers compared the Australian data with four, two-game pairings at two similarly situated casinos in Mexico. Par differences for those games were even more drastic – ranging from 7.98 to 8.9 percent.

Despite these factors, in both instances the results still found no evidence of players moving away from higher-par machines to their low-par counterparts, and the high-par games continued to post substantially greater revenues.

“Put simply, our results suggest that greater pars produce greater revenues, without the risk of brand damage resulting from ‘price’ detection,” Lucas said.

Full Study

The study, “Impacts of increased house advantages on reel slots,” was recently published online in the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management.


Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Myth-Busting UNLV Study Reveals that Gamblers Can’t Detect Slot Machine Payout Percentages

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Bombay Group Enters a New Era with Kevin McGowen taking the lead as CEO

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Bombay Group, renowned for its innovative approach to luxury gaming and hospitality, is set to embark on an exciting new chapter by appointing Kevin McGowen as the new CEO.

“Time has arrived to welcome all suitable discerning players from across the globe to experience our unparalleled gaming offerings,” said Mr McGowen as he sees Bombay Group as a global leader in redefining the gaming experience that combines cutting-edge technology, cashless systems, and private, exclusive environments to reshape the traditional casino industry. “I’m hugely impressed by the Bombay team’s dedication to elevating standards in the high-end gaming industry from a product and compliance perspective. One of my goals for the near future is to engage even broader global experience in the team,” added the new CEO.

The company’s interim CEO, Anita Brinke, has set the stage for Bombay Group’s next phase of growth as the final preparations for the opening of the unique venue are concluded, and the organisation is well-prepared for its ambitious goals. “The ultimate goal of my work of recent years has been to realise the unique vision of a destination that is totally worth a separate journey regardless of how much one has experienced in life. Only a few weeks remain until the opening of The Burman and in combination with the Bombay Club they will complete the redefining of modern high quality entertainment. Now is a good time to pass the baton so that Kevin can give our crown jewel the final shine,” said Brinke assuredly.

Kevin McGowen, a Chief Executive has over 30 years of experience in gaming, hospitality and relationship marketing. Most recently, he served as CEO of Les Ambassadeurs, a prestigious private members’ casino in Mayfair, London. Kevin’s career spans across major global gaming jurisdictions and client feeder markets, including Las Vegas, The Bahamas, London, the Far East, and the Middle East. Kevin’s extensive experience in both land-based and online gaming will play a pivotal role in realising the Group’s ambitious vision.

The Group is also pleased to announce Dajana Tiitsaar as Chief Operating Officer. Dajana’s strong operational background and extensive knowledge of local market dynamics will play a critical role in ensuring seamless daily operations. Dajana joined Bombay Group from Enefit, an Estonian based energy company where she last held the country manager position, she also has over a dozen years of experience in tourism, hospitality and marketing. Her appointment underscores Bombay Group’s commitment to operational efficiency and long-term success.

In August 2024, Bombay Group proudly opened the Bombay Club, alongside world-class restaurant, bars, and lounges in Tallinn. Looking ahead to March 2025, Bombay is set to open its highly anticipated hotel, The Burman, in Tallinn’s historic Old Town. Dating back to 1850, The Burman is among the city’s historic gems. The hotel will open with two additional restaurants, a bakery, and a spa, further enhancing and enriching the character of Tallinn’s historic Hanseatic town. This addition will complete the full buildout of the project, cementing Bombay Group’s commitment of delivering premium world-class experiences in gaming and hospitality.

The post Bombay Group Enters a New Era with Kevin McGowen taking the lead as CEO appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Galaxsys Launches PLAY ME – A New Take on Turbo and Crash Games

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Galaxsys releases new PLAY ME turbo and crash games.

Galaxsys, the award-winning game studio known for its diverse portfolio of games, has introduced Play Me, a game that brings a fresh twist to the popular game concept and combines fast decision-making with the thrill of chasing big wins.

 

About PLAY ME

In the game, tiles scroll down the screen in sync with the background music. Players can tap and hold any tile to increase their winnings but must release it before the odds crash. Players decide when to start and when to stop, thus making every moment a test of skill and intuition.

Key Features That Set PLAY ME Apart

Fast-Paced & High-Stakes Gameplay

The game offers a seamless mix of turbo and crash mechanics where players can join the action at any time. The longer they hold, the higher the risk—and the reward.

Boost Mode for Bigger Wins

A randomly triggered mode turns held tiles gold. During this mode, odds grow rapidly and continuously, guaranteeing no losses.

Bonus System

FreeBet and FreeAmount promotional tools provide an option to reward bonuses to the players, with the terms set by the operator.

Player-Based UI/UX

The design elements, features, and interactions within the game are carefully crafted to align with the expectations and preferences of the players.

With PLAY ME, Galaxsys once again raises the bar in instant gaming, offering a fresh take on turbo and crash mechanics. The game’s fast pace and strategic depth make it a standout choice that keeps the action going with every move.

The post Galaxsys Launches PLAY ME – A New Take on Turbo and Crash Games appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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The Future of Responsible Gaming: AI’s Role in Player Protection – Atlaslive’s View

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How does the Atlaslive Platform leverage AI to enhance responsible gaming and player protection as a leading B2B iGaming tech provider?

At Atlaslive, we see AI as a game-changer in responsible gaming, offering smarter, data-driven solutions to protect players while empowering operators. Our platform integrates machine learning tools that continuously analyze player activity, detect early signs of risky behavior, and provide personalized interventions—all while maintaining a seamless gaming experience. The goal is to equip operators with proactive tools that support player well-being without unnecessary friction.

Looking ahead, we’re diving deeper into AI’s potential, exploring more advanced profiling techniques to refine risk assessments and deliver interventions that feel intuitive and effective. The responsible gaming landscape is evolving rapidly, and we’re committed to staying ahead, ensuring our solutions meet market demands and regulatory expectations.

AI is also revolutionizing compliance by automating key processes like KYC verification, real-time player monitoring, and reporting. This not only saves operators time but also strengthens regulatory adherence without adding operational complexity. As AI technology continues to advance, it’s clear that its role in responsible gaming will only grow, creating a safer, more responsible, and ultimately fairer gaming ecosystem where both operators and players benefit.

What AI-driven technologies does the Atlaslive Platform use to detect potentially harmful player behaviors?

The Atlaslive Platform uses real-time behavioral analytics powered by AI to detect patterns that may indicate risky player activity. Our system continuously monitors key behavioral signals, such as sudden increases in deposit frequency or unusually long gaming sessions, helping operators identify potential concerns before they escalate.

We leverage advanced machine learning models to refine these detections, ensuring accuracy and minimizing false positives. However, we also prioritize usability—our AI-driven insights are designed to be clear and actionable, allowing operators to intervene at the right time with minimal disruption. It’s about striking the right balance between cutting-edge technology and practical, real-world solutions that enhance player protection.

What are the opportunities and challenges for suppliers and operators when integrating AI into responsible gaming, player engagement, and operational efficiency?

AI presents significant opportunities for both B2B tech providers and operators in iGaming. On the player engagement side, AI-driven personalization is a game-changer. By analyzing real-time player behavior, AI can recommend games, promotions, or responsible gaming interventions tailored to individual habits. Research shows that AI-powered alerts can be highly effective—over 50% of high-risk players who received targeted warnings adjusted their gambling behavior the same day, with 54% continuing to play more responsibly a week later. This level of personalization not only supports safer gaming but also fosters stronger player loyalty by making interactions more relevant and meaningful.

From an operational perspective, AI enhances efficiency across multiple areas. It automates KYC processes, detects fraud, and streamlines resource allocation. Machine learning models can also identify risk patterns—such as sudden spikes in deposits or extended play sessions—and trigger timely interventions, helping operators act proactively rather than reactively.

However, these benefits come with challenges. Transparency remains a key concern, as players increasingly want clarity on how AI-driven decisions impact them. Studies indicate that over 80% of people have concerns about AI transparency, according to research by Jobin et al. Additionally, navigating evolving regulations, such as the EU’s AI Act, requires operators to ensure their AI tools meet strict standards for fairness, privacy, and accuracy.

Ultimately, while AI is reshaping responsible gaming and operational efficiency, success depends on balancing innovation with compliance and building trust with players. The real challenge lies in leveraging AI’s potential while ensuring ethical, transparent, and player-friendly implementation.

What ethical considerations should iGaming operators keep in mind when implementing AI for responsible gaming?

When it comes to using AI for responsible gaming, operators need to understand that it’s about supporting players, not controlling them. Transparency is very important here, and players should know how AI is being used and feel confident that it’s there to help, not to invade their privacy or manipulate their behavior.

It’s also important to keep the human element in mind. While AI can handle a lot of the heavy lifting, like spotting risky patterns or automating interventions, as I mentioned before, operators should make sure there’s still room for empathy and personalized support when it’s needed. AI should complement human oversight, not replace it entirely.

Another consideration is fairness. AI systems need to be designed and monitored to avoid any unintended biases or outcomes that might negatively impact certain groups. I think it is more about creating tools that genuinely protect players while building trust and a sense of fairness in the gaming environment.

How do you see AI shaping the future at Atlaslive, not just in responsible gaming but across your entire iGaming platform?

AI is set to play an even bigger role at Atlaslive, enhancing multiple aspects of our platform beyond responsible gaming. One of the most exciting areas is real-time odds optimization — AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data instantly allows us to adjust odds dynamically based on live events. This makes betting faster, smarter, and more responsive, ensuring that operators can offer the most competitive and accurate odds at any moment.

Another major focus is automated customer care. AI-powered support systems can efficiently handle player queries, from setting limits to finding specific games or resolving account issues. By streamlining these interactions, AI ensures that customer service is not only faster but also more personalized, creating a smoother user experience.

We’re also exploring AI-driven content personalization. By analyzing player preferences and behavioral patterns, AI can recommend games, bonuses, and features that feel uniquely tailored to each user. This level of customization keeps engagement high and makes every interaction on the platform more relevant and immersive.

Ultimately, AI is helping us refine and elevate every part of the iGaming experience, from betting mechanics to customer engagement and operational efficiency. As technology continues to evolve, its role in optimizing both player satisfaction and operator performance will only grow.

 

About Atlaslive

Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.

The post The Future of Responsible Gaming: AI’s Role in Player Protection – Atlaslive’s View appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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