Manufacturers such as International Game Technology (IGT) and WMS Industries (owned by Scientific Gaming, one of 2017’s fastest growing developers) have perfected the art and science of producing slot machines. They offer tremendous variety, not only in game themes but also in equipment shapes and sizes, from recessed bar-top units to traditional upright models and universal slant consoles with 22-inch LCD screens or mechanical 3, 4 or 5 reel configurations.
Although casinos often lease machines directly from the manufacturers, according to one estimate each new machine retails for $14,000 to $25,000. Take away the distributor’s margin, any royalties and the maker’s profit, and the real cost of the equipment is probably in the vicinity of $5,000 to $10,000. But what does it actually cost to create a slot machine, component by component?
The Cost of the Box
External hardware comprises the most obvious parts of a slot machine. The three biggest physical components of a standard video slot are the cabinet, the LCD display and the cash handling mechanism. All three can vary greatly in complexity, but some ball park figures are available to indicate how much they add to the relative cost of a machine.
The cabinet must be fabricated and fitted with lighting, a sound system and a power supply source with feed wires for the internal components. The simplest such plain metal cabinet sourced from China, with no branding or game logos, will come with spaces already provided for player tracking systems, card readers, support key-in/key-out and currency handling. It may measure L540 x D558 x H2416 millimeters and weigh 124 kilograms or more. Dual screen cabinets will cost more than single screen ones, and customized button panels will be more expensive than standard configurations.
Costs can be reduced by ordering in quantities of up to 1,000 units per month, but expect the cabinet pricing to start at $400 to $600 apiece FOB and range as high as $1,000 to $2,000 if fewer than 10 are ordered. Add another $20 for each cabinet lock and key required, $30 for crown lighting, $10 per illuminated console button, and $50 per power supply. The audio speakers can be obtained for just a few dollars each.
The size of the LCD display and the quality of the output in pixels will affect its cost. The most common screen diagonals are 19-inch, 22-inch and 23-inch. Most modern games incorporate touch-screen technology, so that must be taken into account, too. Again, discounts are available for ordering in quantity, but no less that $250 per display with a minimum order of 20 pieces is a good rough estimate. Then add a smart ICT multi-way bill validator/bill acceptor, either with or without a stacker, priced from $300 and up with a minimum order of five units, plus a ticket redemption printer for $300 more.
The Inner Workings
Average% RTP is generally measured over 10,000 or 100,000 games or greater for compensated and random machines respectively, dependent upon their category. For example, if a gaming machine displays an 85% RTP, you should not expect to win an average of 85 pence for every £1 you stake during a playing session.
What’s not immediately visible is where the major expenses of creating a slot machine will be found. The LCD display requires a VGA convertor and adapter cables, starting at $50 per set when 200 or more are purchased. An embedded gaming board will be needed to install the slot software, and they can range in price from $100 each at the low end to $1,000 apiece for multi-game boards capable of handling up to ten applications for a single machine, so figure $200 to $500 on average. Also, a gaming I/O evaluation board will be needed, adding another $100 to $200 to the cost of the circuitry.
Then comes the game itself, for which software must be developed. Slot manufacturers have staff to come with their games, but anyone who prefers a do-it-yourself approach can make use of a gaming development package, such as the one offered by Slot Constructor for $3,000, exclusive of any hardware costs. The package includes gaming framework software on a CD, a printed user manual and tutorial, Windows XP embedded and Linux drivers and demonstration games with source code. Also included is free technical support for 12 months on all software products.
Optional components for coin-operated machines include coin selectors, coin entry devices, coin meters (in), counters (out) and coin hoppers. For security, electronic locks, switch locks, door switches and anti-shock devices are available. There are also emi filters, connectors, led lights, special jackpot lights and wire kits that may be needed. Creating a slot machine is not exactly rocket science, but it is close enough for most intents and purposes. If you choose to build your own, may the spins be with you.
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A slot machine will often have three or more reels or a video screen, which is spun when either the slot lever is pulled or a button is pushed.
How much does a slot machine cost?
On average, plan on spending anywhere from $200 for a novelty slot machine to as much as $3,000 for a higher-end model of a working slot machine, similar to the ones you see in a professional casino. This would be the price for those who are interested in buying a second-hand slot machine for their own entertainment purposes at home.
However, if you’re talking about what a casino pays for a slot machine, the costs could be much more. Experts have noted official casino slot machines can cost as much as $20,000. For instance, this article claims that Bally sells its machines for $9,671 each. The costs, in the end, will come down to the manufacturer, the quality of the hardware, the intellectual property it represents and title. Calvinayre.com, on the other hand, says the average IGT game sold for $13,000 in 2013, while another manufacturer, Multimedia Games, received over $18,000, on average, from its machines.
Gambler’s Paradise, a slot machine retailer located in Ohio, lists close to 50 slot machines, ranging from $600 to $3,000+
Refer to our table below to see what you may pay for a slot machine in working order on the second-hand market:
| Type of Slot Machine | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Antique/Vintage Slot Machine | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Bally Slot Machines | $125 to $800 |
| IGT Game King | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| IGT Slot Machines | $400 to $700 |
| Jennings Slot Machines | $1,600 to $3,200 |
| Video Slot Machines | $400 to $1,600+ |
| Williams Slot Machines | $650 to $2,000+ |
Slot machine overview
Generally, there are two common types of slot machines: a mechanical and computerized. When slot machines first hit the market, all were mechanical, operating gears and levels. Eventually, as the time when on, these gears were replaced with an electric slot machine which used motors and solenoids to run the gears. Today, most slot machines will use a computer to general a random number to generate the slot machine’s outcome.
Retailers often include a limited warranty, which often lasts up to a year,
What are the extra costs?
Repairs, depending on how much the slot machine is going to be used, needs to be factored in. Some machines can be more difficult to repair, whereas some machines will rely on a battery, which, over time, will need to be replaced as well. Even if the machine isn’t used for a long period of time, the battery may need to be replaced.
A common problem for slot machine owners, according to this eBay guide, is a lost door key. If this were to happen, you will either need to hire a locksmith, purchase a new one for $20 or so or learn how to drill and barrel the locks.
Due to the size of a slot machine, freight shipping charges may apply.
Tips to know
There are legal implications if you’re thinking about buying a slot machine. In 41 states, it is legal to own a used slot machine, but in nine states: Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennesse and Wisconsin, it is 100 percent illegal. In 17 states, there will be a law that the slot machine must be, at a minimum, 25 years old. With all of that being said, check your state laws to make sure it’s legal to own.
How can I save money?
How Much Does An Average Size Slot Machine Weigh Chart
If you do not mind buying used, this can save you upwards of at least 50 percent. Try to explore the used inventory before buying new.
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