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As the gaming industry continues to expand across the United States due to the openings of tribal and non-tribal casinos, the number of slot machines in Nevada is significantly decreasing. Luckily this decline relates to an improvement in the technology of gaming equipment, not a lack of demand.

As of 2010, there are 833,000 active slot machines in the United States. This is an increase of 233,000 machines from 2005, according to the American Gaming Association. Gamblers are currently spending only slightly more on slots when inflation is adjusted. This survey was conducted in well-established gaming states such as Nevada, New Jersey, Iowa and Illinois.

In 1992 Las Vegas, slot players wagered an average of $70 per session. In 2008, slot players bet an average of $80 per session after being adjusted for inflation. Players during this recession are wagering millions of dollars less than during the large growth years.

On June 30^th, 2010, it was announced that there were 168,504 active slots in Nevada. This equals the number found in Nevada in 1997. This apparent decline contradicts the overall growth of the gaming industry.

This trend stems from a consolidation of games into one machine. In 1997, different slots had single wagering games in their system. In 2010, there are multiple games in one machine to add convenience and differentiation for the player. Multiple game machines include games such as:

• Several varieties of poker
• Keno
• Slots

Each machine contains a user-menu to select which game you want to play. This new equipment helps all casinos cut costs drastically by not needing to have as many machines on the gaming floor. This cuts taxes and maintenance costs on unused machines. Large casinos like The Rio, MGM Grand and Circus Circus have eliminated 1,200 slots since 2001.

This is a major advancement for the gaming industry. As gaming technology improves, the selection of games will increase with the number of gaming machines decreasing. The areas where slot games once were could host newer, more profitable games or equipment. Therefore, these machines are not only great for cost savings, also for the generation of profit.

As more casinos across the country add these cost-saving, profit-generating machines to their gaming floor, the decline in gaming may turn-around and begin to see great improvement. All this due to an advancement in gaming equipment technology.

Boyd Gaming is implementing a nationwide multi-property player loyalty program into all of its casinos. The old program used at the Gold Coast, Sam’s Town and the Orleans will be replaced by B Connected. All points and benefits registered under the old program will be transferred.

Reason for Change

The change gives the company a more streamlined program with consistent rules and the customer reaping the benefits by being able to gamble at any Boyd location and collect points. Boyd Gaming currently owns 13 properties across the United States, all of which will be on board with the B Connected player loyalty program.

The Program

There are three levels to B Connected, each with different rewards and benefits. These include Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald memberships. All three memberships benefit from discounted rooms at all locations with the higher level status receiving larger rate reductions.

Another great feature is the B Connected iPhone and iPad app. Users can view point balances in real time, exclusive offers for members and receive personalized messages. Also players can view casino news, event information, schedules, dining and gaming specials, utilizing the slot search feature, a Boyd Gaming locator and make hotel reservations.

An additional helpful feature of the B Connected program is the online community created exclusively for loyal customers. Although launched only last year, the community has over a quarter of a million registered users. With online access, users have the ability to personalize their home page, update account information, view Las Vegas sites with the Boyd Gaming webcam network and all other features included in the iPhone app.

The Slot Search

Of these features, the most interesting and advanced is the ability to search for specific slot machines. On their website or from your phone, you can fill out a form with a drop down box listing all properties, denomination from $0.01 games to $500, the game type such as keno and reel and the specific game name. From 10 Carat to Zulu Dawn Progressive there are literally hundreds of options.

With the implementation of B Connected, Boyd Gaming is setting the industry standard with a centralized loyalty program. This is advantageous for the customer as they are able to use their card at locations closest to them and accumulate points. It’s also beneficial for the casino because they are one of the first to institute this technology. In time, all casinos will utilize a consolidated player loyalty program; until then Boyd Gaming is at the forefront of their industry.

Slots are an exciting game played by many at different monetary levels. There are various types of slot themes that are created to appeal to many different kinds of players. Slots are a fairly simple game, with simple rules.

Rules

To play slots, scour the casino for a game that appeals to you, sit down, read the game’s instructions (as they may vary), put your money in, pull the reel and wait for the results. If you win, money will come out and you can play again or cash out. If you win a jackpot, a siren or bell will generally go off. If you lose, nothing will happen.

Different combinations of items on the reel will payout different amounts. Since there are so many different types of slots and combinations, it’s difficult to list all winners. Winning combinations generally have three, four or five reels that line up.

The Slot Machine

On a slot machine, there are often three or more reels that spin when a button is pushed or a lever is pulled. On the top or side of the machine, there is a list of the different combinations needed to win different payouts. There are two types of machines: traditional or video interactive.

The traditional machine often has only three reels that actually spin when a lever is pulled. The more modern video interactive machines have reels that are simulated on a video screen within the machine. Different machines require different amounts of money per credit.  The more credits bet (usually up to three), the higher the payout or a chance at the jackpot which can be monetary or a prize.

A Great Slot Tip

Although slots are an exciting way to pass the time, the most important tip to remember is that over the long term, the casino will win. Slots are not a profitable gambling method. Although routinely checked by gaming commissions and other regulatory bodies, slots are set at a certain percentage to lose so the casino can make money. In the short term, anyone can win, but it’s not profitable to play consistently.

Slots are an exhilarating way to gamble. The audio and visual equipment make them appealing to the senses. It’s a form of real-time advertising for those walking by. Even though the casino will always win of an extended period of time, it’s still an excited way to spend money.

Slot machines inspired by music and movies are often the most popular games on the casino floor, and for good reason. Most of us love the thrill of the slot machines, and adding in those familiar faces just makes it that much better. Slot machines inspired by entertainment aren’t just enjoyable for the recognizable characters, they often have interactive bonuses and big wins. However, some entertainment slots are better then others. If you haven’t tried these out, you should.

Four Slot Machines Inspired by the Stuff You Love

Star Wars

George Lucas’ epic films inspired a great many things, video games, toys, memorabilia, and even slot machines. There have been several slot machines made after the Star Wars series. You will see some recognizable faces during game play, Hans Solo, Luke, Princess Leia and even Yoda make an appearance. The Star Wars games are also great for interactive bonuses. Most of the games have two different bonuses. One which plays through a scene in Star Wars, such as Yoda’s Jedi learning school. The second bonus gives you a chance at free spins on the death star wheel located on top of the slot machine.

Sopranos

Inspired by the long standing HBO hit show, the Sopranos game is just as intense as the series. The game play features characters and voice-overs from the cast of the Sopranos themselves, but the best thing about this slot machine is the bonus features. There are several bonus games you could win on the Sopranos slot machine. Each bonus game is interactive and pulls directly from the series itself. For example, one bonus will have you picking up stolen cargo, while another takes place in the famous Bada Bing.

Sex in the City

The Sex in the City slot machines are some of the newest entertainment based slots to hit the casino floor. The game does a great job of giving the player the feel of the hit TV show. All of the major characters, Samantha, Carri, and Mr. Big, make themselves known on the reels. This is also another example of an entertainment slot machine with great bonuses. There are eight total bonuses that can be won on the Sex and the City slot machine. Some bonuses are interactive, and some bonuses, like Hello Lover, give you a chance at the big reel located on the slot.

Tournaments are a popular event at any casino. They offer a chance for players to compete against each other, test their skills, and win prizes. When people think of tournaments inside a casino, they typically think of the popular poker tournaments but slot machines have made their way to the tournament ranks as well.

What is a Slot Tournament?

A slot tournament is similar to a poker tournament. A player will sign up for the slot tournament of their choice and pay a small entry fee. When the tournament starts, each player is given a set slot machine and a limited amount of casino credit. The goal of the slot tournament is to win as much money as possible in the amount of time given. A slot tournament is based more on luck, unlike a poker tournament, which is heavily based on skill.

How to Enter a Slot Tournament

Entering a slot tournament is simple. Casinos will often set up special booths before a slot tournament event; participants can sign up at one of those booths or with the casino concierge. Typically, there is a minimum fee to enter and the tournaments take a limited number of slot players. However, most casinos host slot tournaments often so there is a chance for everyone to join in. Some casinos also offer an online sign-up. Players can register for the slot tournament on the casino website.

How to Play in a Slot Tournament

Once a participant has entered in to a slot tournament, they will be given a slot machine and a set start time. After their start time, the player sits at their machine, which comes preloaded with the maximum amount of credits given in the tournament. The player’s job is to then play the slot machine as quickly as they can until the time runs out. The player that has the highest winnings at the end of the allotted time wins that round. Typically, slot tournaments have several rounds and the highest players from each will advance to the next round until a winner is decided.

Slot tournaments often pay more then one winner. Typically, the first place player receives the highest prize followed by three or more players who receive a smaller prize. Other top players are often given casino perks such as free meals or hotel stays.

Slot tournaments are a fun way to win prizes at the casino for any patron who likes to play the slots. Since they require very little skill, anyone can play.