Q:
I'm curious about what the various colored lights on top of slot machines stand for. You know, red =, yellow =, blue =, etc. I understand they indicate various denomination machines, but which color corresponds with each amount? I especially need to know how to spot the nickel machines. Thanks!
A:
The lights you're referring to found on top of most free-standing slot machines are known as "candles" or "tower lights." Most colors mean the same thing at all properties (see below), but the flashing light can mean many things. Bally's, for example, has no colored lights on any of its machines, but a flashing white light can mean service, jackpot, or even malfunction. At the Aladdin, one flashing light means the machine needs service or change, but both flashing lights mean a jackpot. This is also the same at the Fremont. At the California, lights flashing means a jackpot and a steady white light means service. This is the same at Caesars Palace and Luxor.
Colored slot candles and their meaning:
- White = Penny
- Red = Nickel
- Yellow = Quarter
- Orange = Fifty Cents
- Blue = One Dollar
- Purple = Five Dollars
Note: The orange for 50ยข and purple for $5 denomination lights are rare, but all colors seem to be consistent from property to property, where they exist.
Update 23 July 2006
Thanks to reader Larry of L.V. who posted the following on our message forums:
"I know that it's after the fact, but I would just like to add that on all the new multi-denomination slots, the color is always the lowest denomination listed. I got this info from an IGT installer when they were setting up Red Rock."
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