KOTA Territory NewsPenny slots pump up gaming revenue
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Makenzi Henderson
They're the most popular slot machines in Deadwood and make up half of all money put into the one-armed bandits there.
Casino managers say penny slots are the future for gambling.
"It's all about the bonus," Elaine Kruse said.
A bonus, Kruse hasn't won yet.
"I've only got a $1.75 left in here," she said.
But, still hopes for as she plays the penny slots in Deadwood.
"Pennies make your money go a little bit further," Kruse said.
"Penny machines are the new biggest thing in gambling," said Cadillac Jack's Gaming Resort General Manager, Terry Houk.
That's why Houk put 30 more in the casino this year.
"The penny machines have more features, more bonuses, more ways to win. A lot more interactive for the customer than the nickel, quarter or dollar machines," Houk said.
All reasons so many people pay a pretty penny to play.
"The more ways to pay, the more fun it is," Kruse said.
In July, gamblers plunked nearly $56 million into penny slot machines. That's 5.6 billion pennies or more than 30.5 million pounds.
But, weight matters less and less, as more and more casinos go 'penniless.' Houk says ticket vouchers are easier to transport and to gamble with. That combination of penny slots and paper tickets is the future of gambling.
"Probably 65 to 70 percent of the revenue generated in gaming are from penny machines," Houk said.
"I enjoy gambling. So, if it's pennies, nickels, quarters or whatever, it really doesn't make any difference," Kruse said.
So, bonus or not, Kruse still has fun.
Some fun facts. Charles Fey invented slot machines in 1887. They're called ‘fruit machines' in Britain.
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