Blog
Difference between card and coin operated slot machine

Slot gaming machines especially those operated at land casinos the players will find two types of common slots one that is operated by card and the other that is operated by coins. Lately, the coin-operated machines are now less in number as most poker machines are card operated, with the value being added directly from the user’s credit card.

This shows that card-operated poker machines have taken over from the more traditional coin-op poker machine. But that doesn’t mean you will not find a coin-operated slot. Though as said above less in number coin Slot games are now classic ones and these antiques can still be found at few land or real casinos. In fact, in the early 20th century, the demand for coins to operate coin-operated poker machines was so high that the design of the Liberty Head nickel in the United States was briefly delayed. Similarly, some reports indicate that the introduction of Space Invaders in Japan caused a countrywide shortage of the Yen 100 coin. For some players, the appeal of coin-operated poker machines is in the physical sensation of inserting a coin and pulling a lever.

Where To Find A Coin-Operated Slot Machine?

Coin operated slots
Coin operated slots

Slot machines and other coin-operated arcade machines are typically found in two types of locations: locations of convenience and destination locations.

Locations of convenience include machines found in airports, convenience stores, restaurants, and bars; while destination locations include theme parks, family entertainment centers, carnivals, and arcades.

Most coin-operated video games consoles and other amusement arcade games are aimed at teenage and young adults men and women who love to play on coin-operated poker machines.

Find here the state of affairs of coin-operated slot machines.

Card Operated Slot Machine

Card operated slots
Card operated slots machine

You must have seen that land or real casinos offer players a card or credit card or players card to play Slot. These cards are priced according to the level of the player.

Many American casinos offer free memberships in “Slot clubs”, which return a fraction of the amount of money that is a bet in the form of comps (complimentary food, drinks, hotel rooms, or merchandise), or sometimes as cash or a promise to pay cash at a later date. These clubs require that players use cards that are inserted into the Slot machines, to allow the casinos to track the players’ “action” (how much each player bets and for how long), which is often used to establish levels of play that may make players eligible for additional comps.

You can see a significant increase in slots machines across various public spaces across the US (airports, bars, lounges and more). For example, the city of Chicago recently commissioned a study that concluded that installing slot machines on location could lead to 37 million dollars in additional revenue for the local government. This shows how local municipalities are warming up to the idea of allowing for the gambling industry to strive. 

At Casino, any player with a VIP loyalty card can still insert $100 notes and use the autoplay feature, whereby the machine will continue to play without player intervention until credit is exhausted or the player intervenes. All gaming machines at land casinos have an information screen accessible to the user by pressing the ‘i key’ button, showing the game rules, paytable, return to player percentage, and the top and bottom five combinations, with the odds shown. These combinations are stated to be played on a minimum bet (usually 1 credit per line, with 1 line or reel played), excluding feature wins.

Why card operating Slot is more popular?

Card operated slots
Some casinos have their players card for this purpose

Also known as cashless gaming in some casinos these plastic cards are of monetary value. The card-based gaming system provides players with a centralized host account which is accessed from the gaming machine by inserting a plastic card with a machine-readable secure ID number. The number accesses the appropriate account and the system downloads the account balance to the machine’s credit meter as an on-line transaction. The machine is then played just as it is today. Once play is complete and the player chooses to cancel his/her credits, the system transfers all remaining credits back to the central account. At casinos this is referred as a gaming transaction as “Account Play”.

With the card now used as an implicit part of gaming cash flow, card utilization rates will be much higher than has been the case with traditional promotional systems. This new card usage profile will pave the way for the introduction of the Return On Investment (ROI) link and bonus systems providing progressive rewards and incentives linked to players’ Accounts. Increased turnover will result in addition to reduced venue costs and better customer service.

The first step in receiving comps is to sign-up for a Players Club membership. Then start gambling. The casino pays attention to the games you play, how much you wager, and how long you play. Comps can be earned by playing any game (slots, blackjack, poker, craps, video poker, keno, etc.). When you sit down at a slot or video poker machine, put you card in the machine so that you earn player points while you play. Never gamble without your card because you won’t earn points for your play.

Players club card at Mohegan Sun
Players club card at Mohegan Sun

You can get these cards for Free at many casinos like MGM or Harrahs casino in any state.  You can also signup online and join the players clubs online at TotalRewards.com or Mlife.com and start getting hotel discounts immediately.   Anytime you lose or can’t find your card you can go to the players club desk with your drivers license and get new cards printed for free.

If you are playing table games, give the dealer your card along with your money. The dealer will give your card to the casino manager who will then rate your play. The more you bet, the higher you will be rated. Rating a bettor’s play is done for the purpose of earning comps. Players that bet more will get more money in comps. For example, if you want a free meal, the amount they will give you for that meal is based on your rate of play.

To receive your comps, take your card over to the Players Club desk and ask for a comp for dinner, hotel room, or whatever it is you desire. They will tell you whether or not you have earned enough points to receive this free reward. Most casinos will give you a paper voucher to take to the restaurant of your choice inside the casino, while others will put the comp on your card and then you will redeem the comp at the restaurant.

Where to buy coin-operated and card-operated Slot machines?

Coin-operated, as well as Card Operated Slot machines, are for sale at eBay and other websites that sell old or uses Slot machines. You can buy these machines for your clubs or hotels or casinos for commercial use as well as for fun and entertainment for personal use.