Question of the Day - 14 May 2025

We did do a spin around ProfessorSlots.com, but after giving it some attention, we didn't come across the information that you provide in the question. We'll take your word for his theory, which we can comment on. But if we're missing some nuance or refinement that Prof Slots points out, perhaps someone can alert us to it in the comments. 

Essentially, what the good professor is talking about, at least from what we can tell in the question, are "server-based" gaming (SBG) machines. And yes, the casinos most certainly can change the payout schedules on slot machines at their convenience or even, as Prof Slots seems to imply, on demand. Server-based slots allow for remote configuration changes, enabling casinos to modify return-to-player (RTP) percentages without physically altering machines. This is often done to optimize revenue, respond to market conditions, or comply with regulatory requirements.

But it's not quite as simple as "pushing a button" or "tightening a screw," in the common lingo. 

For one, in Nevada at least, regulations stipulate two four-minute periods between changes. The machine must sit idle for four minutes before the change. A message must be displayed on the screen indicating that an "update" -- whether it's good or bad for the player doesn't need to be specified -- is in the process of occurring. After the change, the machine must remain idle for an additional four minutes before play can resume. This ensures transparency and prevents immediate exploitation. We don't know what Prof Slots says about it, but obviously, the casino can't secretly change the payback from, say, 98% to 76% between one spin and another on a player who might be winning on a particular machine.   

For another, any changes to the RTP must remain within the 75% minimum threshold and comply with Gaming Control Board standards. Casinos do have flexibility to adjust RTP above this minimum, though significant changes may require notifying and/or receiving approval from the GCB to ensure fairness and compliance with gaming laws.

In addition, the QoD that this question was submitted in response to was about the casinos "determining when a jackpot will hit," pinpointing a weekend or holiday or some other specific time period. That's nowhere near the same as changing a slot machine's RTP by a point or two. Manipulating jackpots is tantamount to cheating, while server-based slots just make it a little easier than in days past, when a technician had to physically go into the guts of the machine, to change payback percentages. This is no different than a casino taking a 9/6 Jacks or Better video poker machine out of service for a short period to change the paytable to 8/5 or 7/5. 

Finally, not all casinos alter RTPs, frequently or otherwise. Many maintain consistent settings to build player trust. Again using video poker as an example, what would you think about a casino that changed its 9/6 JoB suddenly to 6/5? Then, the next time you checked it, it was up to 8/5? And the next time it was down to 7/5? We'd think that whoever the decision maker was didn't have a clue. And why bother going back to such a casino when you never know what you'll find? 

Unlike video poker, no one can tell for sure what the RTP for slot machines is. It's all based on "feel." But as soon as players start to feel like machines have been tightened up, whatever trust has been built up will take a hit.