Slot Quest 'Playing Loose and Tight Machines'
A slot machine that withholds only a small percentage of the money played is referred to as "loose," while a machine that retains most of the coins it takes in is called "tight." "Loose" and "tight" are figurative descriptions and have nothing to do with the mechanical condition of the machine. Because return rates vary from casino to casino, and because machines in a given casino are programmed to withhold vastly differing percentages of the coins played, slot players devote much time and energy to finding the best casinos and the loosest machines. Exactly how to go about this is the subject of much discussion.
In terms of choosing a casino, there are several theories which have at least a marginal ring of truth. Competition among casinos is often a general indicator for finding loose slots. Some say that smaller casinos, which compete against large neighbors must program their slots to provide a higher return. Alternatively, some folks will play slots only in casinos patronized predominantly by locals. The reasoning here is that these casinos vie for regular customers on a continuing basis and must therefore offer extremely competitive win rates. Downtown Las Vegas is likewise cast in the "we try harder" role because smaller downtown casinos must go head to head with the Strip to attract patrons.
Extending the logic, machines located in supermarkets, restaurants, convenience stores, airports, and lounges are reported to be very tight. In these places, some argue, there is little incentive for management to provide good returns because the patrons will play regardless (out of boredom or simply because the machine is there.)
Veteran slot players have a lot of theories when it comes to finding the loose machines in a particular casino. Some will tell you to play the machines by the door or in the waiting area outside the showroom. By placing the loose machines in these locations, the theory goes, the casino can demonstrate to passersby and show patrons that the house has loose slots. A more labor-intensive suggestion for sniffing out the loose machines is to hang around the casino during the wee hours of the morning when the machines are being emptied. Supposedly machines with the least number of coins in the hopper have been paying off more frequently. Or maybe these machines have just been played less often.
Of the theories for finding the loose machines in a specific casino, the suggestion that makes the most sense is to select a casino and play there long enough to develop a relationship with the slot attendants. Not as difficult as it sounds, this means being friendly and engaging the attendants in pleasant conversation. If the casino has a slot club, join up and use the club card so the slot personnel will regard you as a regular. If the attendants are responsive and kind, and particularly if you win, give them a tip. After a couple of hours, the attendants will begin to take an interest in you. Ask them candidly and forthrightly to point out a good loose machine. Tip them for the information and tip again if you do well on the machine.
If the machine is not hitting for you, don't blame the attendant. Continue to be positive and build the relationship. In the long run, it is in your best interest, as well as in the best interest of the attendant and of the house, for the relationship to prosper. If the attendant turns you to the loosest machine in Las Vegas, the house is still going to make money in the long run. If the force is with you, however, you might rack up a nice short-term win or at least get more play for your money. What you are concerned about is the short run. In the short run anything can happen, including winning.
