Ever Wonder How Much a Slot Machine Costs? Find Out What Casinos Pay for Them and More

How much does a slot machine cost? If you answered with a specific figure, then I’m afraid you will lose this round.

You see, the cost of slots varies depending on the game, the jurisdiction of the casino, and other assorted fees. Google “How much do slots cost” if you don’t believe me!

If you have ever wondered, “How much does a new slot machine cost,” you’re in for a real treat. That is, if you enjoy analyzing the inner aspects of how a casino manages to make money from these games while, at times, dishing out mega prices just to host them.

Let’s get to it.

How much does a slot machine cost? You already know the answer to that one. As in, there is no straight answer. It’s akin to asking your local car dealer how much a 4×4 costs.

Just like a car, each slot machine requires several parts to function. But the three most crucial components for modern slots are the cash-handling device, the LCD display, and the cabinet.

Each can differ in price depending on numerous factors. However, casinos will budget for these elements.

Well, they make a lot of money. And like any profit spinner, they don’t come cheap.

Modern cabinets can cost anywhere from $500 to $20,000. The cost at the lower end usually involves a deal made by distributors and casinos when the latter buys in bulk.

Other things that add to the cost of these cabinets are several other functional elements.

For example, a sound system, a power source, lighting, a card reader, buttons, and more. If you asked the average casino worker how much slot machines cost, I’d be surprised if most would know.

Casinos can save a little in this area by ordering cheaper products without branding, but many gambling establishments pay more to get game logos and other artwork.

You might be surprised at their answer if you called a company and asked them how much for a slot machine for all the mods and cons.

At this point, you might not be stunned to learn that these things can cost a lot of cash.

The LCD price is based on its size and output quality in terms of pixels. Regarding the former, the display screen sizes range from 19 inches to 23 inches. Some of the newer games also require touchscreen technology, which increases the price.

An advanced bill acceptor will also boost how much casinos are required to pay.

How much do slot machines cost major at Vegas casinos? That depends on the deals they have in place. However, gambling venues typically pay anywhere from $250 to $300 for the LCD display. But there is more to the magic than that.

Here are some other components that can affect how much casinos must pay for slots.

We haven’t quite answered everything relating to the question, “How much are slot machines?” I’ll get into the nitty gritty as we progress through this piece.

First, if you’re new to everything casino, why not check out our beginner guide?

When it comes to the slot machine price, there are a lot of things to take into consideration.

How much does a slot machine cost in a rundown casino compared to the world’s finest establishments? Sometimes, neither will pay for these in one go.

Instead, they can choose to purchase a slot machine outright or lease it for a set number of years. Gambling establishments are more likely to purchase machines that they think have long-term value.

Of course, casinos also need to be prepared to shell out a lot of cash for games. How much does a casino slot machine cost straight out of the box? A brand-new slot machine typically comes in at anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000.

You can see that there is quite a variation in the slot machine price. The machine parts that I covered earlier play the biggest role in how much a slot sells for. But other factors can also influence the final selling price.

For example, a themed slot with an expensive licensing deal can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Sure, the most expensive slot machine ever created came in at a jaw-breaking $21m. It was designed by artist Sidney Mobell, who also created the costly $2m edition of Monopoly.

Of course, your average slots aren’t going to come anywhere near that figure to buy.

Even in these cases, though, online slot machines are never cheap. They’re technologically advanced games that cost a lot to develop, which shows in the final sale price.

It’s also worth noting that casinos may also enter into deals with manufacturers, whereby they split profits made from a progressive slot machine. Such deals can lower the cost because the developer is getting a portion of the income.

The question of how much is a slot machine worth changes when that is a present factor.

Ask the average collector, “How much does a slot machine cost?” They’ll probably roll their eyes.

If you visit online market trading sites, you’ll find many slot machines selling for just a few hundred dollars. You might wonder why casinos don’t fill their floor with these cheap games.

The simple answer is that the games found on eBay and similar sites are collectors’ items that have run their course in casinos. Some of these machines are considered so old and obsolete that they’re no longer viable money-makers.

Individuals and private businesses can purchase these games as collectors’ items. They may keep older slot machines for nostalgic purposes or look to resell them on the antique market.

In either case, buying slot machines off eBay or any other auction site isn’t anything close to purchasing one for casino usage.

As defined by US gambling laws and those in other jurisdictions, you can only buy a slot without a gaming license for antique or personal usage.

Morning all! It’s getting close to reopening all been well, and we can’t wait to see you all. #pennyslots #slotmachines #vintageslotmachine #pennyarcade #astraantiquescentre #hemswell #lincolnshire pic.twitter.com/uUBhUiJ4kb

— Astra Antiques (@astraantiques) March 24, 2021

The reseller market is filled with lots of classic three-reel games and older five-reel slots that wouldn’t draw play on a gambling floor.

If you’re interested in purchasing one of these games, you’ll want to consider a variety of factors. You’d have to figure out what your state laws are first before making the investment.

It would be a cool thing to have in your home, but will it be worth the extra hassle? That’s for you to decide.

While I can’t give you a precise answer to the question “How much does a slot machine cost,” you should have a better idea of what the buying process entails.

The chances are that you’re not going to buy a slot machine and flip it for a big profit. After all, most games were mass-produced and are not worth much today.

Shipping also plays a large role in the price. Most machines weigh 200-250 pounds, but some are bigger and more costly than this.

Shipping prices on slot machines generally range from $200 to $600. But you can always pick a game up in person if you live close enough.

Generally speaking, you’ll be fine as long as you’re not trying to start an unlicensed casino, but you should still check out your state’s take on the matter.

Hawaii and Alabama won’t even let you purchase slot machines — even for antique purposes. However, over 40 other states do let you buy slots under the right circumstances.

In summary, casinos don’t look to buy older, cheaper slot machines. These games wouldn’t make them much money — if any.

You can, however, have some fun by browsing the reseller market and looking for slot machines yourself. Having a slot in your basement sounds cool, right? It would certainly give the old man cave or she-shed a touch of class.

Harboring fantasies of starting your casino? If so, asking, “how much does it cost to buy a slot machine” is probably the least of your worries.

One common theme among land-based slot machines involves a low return to player (RTP). Games typically range somewhere between 90% and 96% RTP.

Here’s a very basic example of payout percentages from the Vegas Strip.

These payouts didn’t seem so bad 2-3 decades ago when land-based casinos were the only places to enjoy slot machines. But online slots have changed people’s view of good returns, especially with progressive slots and hot drops jackpots seducing slots enthusiasts online.

Most internet slots come in at around 93% to 97% RTP. You still might not feel like you’re winning at this rate when considering the high variance of slot machines, but you stand a better chance of winning money with online slots than with the land-based versions.

The key thing to realize is that land-based slot machines cost a lot more money to keep and maintain. As mentioned earlier, their prices range anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 brand new.

Of course, internet casinos must also pay for the slots that they use. These games are, after all, created by paid development teams.

But the cost for the best online casinos to license slots from developers usually doesn’t come close to the cost of filling a casino with physical cabinets. Land-based venues are essentially forced to offer lower RTP to cover their slot machines.

Brick-and-mortar venues must pay staff members and expensive utility bills. Land-based casinos are essentially creating a unique experience for gamblers. Many visitors like the sights and sounds of brick-and-mortar establishments.

Not all these same players realize that they’re paying more for the experience, of course. Those tips now seem a little excessive, huh?

But when given a choice between an online and brick-and-mortar casino, most will likely choose the former these days.

You may not believe that it’s worth facing lower RTP just to enjoy the casino atmosphere. In this case, you’re better off playing online slots because they give you a stronger chance to win. Furthermore, they provide bonuses and other offers that most land-based sites don’t!

Whether you’re worried about low RTP or not, you should always look for the highest payout slot machines.

Here’s a list of some great slots specifically catered for big wins.

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As you can see, it’s difficult to answer the question of how much do slot machines cost. It’s natural to even wonder if the price the casinos pay for the machines is even worth it.

Well, when you see a new casino popping up in virtually every city, there’s a good chance they are doing just fine.

Many casinos pay millions of dollars to fill their gaming floors with slot machines. These expenses might seem over the top for games, but not when considering what goes into creating them.

First off, the manufacturer needs somebody to develop fun and engaging games. This process is only the beginning because the manufacturer must put the slots together.

When everything is said and done, casinos will end up paying between $15,000 and $25,000 to purchase a brand-new game. If there is a ratio for how much slots cost compared to the money made, it’s going to edge closer to a profit for the average casino.

Yes, they need to either buy or lease the expensive, newer games to keep crowds rolling in.

You’ll generally only see between 90% and 94% RTP with land-based slot machines. But you can at least see that the lower payback is justified when considering the costs. That’s why playing at online casinos is probably your best bet.

If you’re still interested in buying your favorite game, you’ll now have some answers to your questions. It’s not as simple as asking, “How much does a slot machine cost,” as I’m sure you’ll now understand fully. 

Now that you know how much slots cost, perhaps you’ll be interested in figuring out how to beat them. For some strategy and tips, I leave you with this guide.

Footnotes:

• Monopoly facts are courtesy ABC News.
• eBay provided prices for various slot machines and parts.