Key Moments
- Nevada’s slot hold climbed to 7.15% in 2025, a 26% rise over ten years
- The Las Vegas Strip posted the state’s highest slot machine hold at 7.57%
- Despite tighter machines, Nevada outperformes other states including Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Iowa
Tighter Slot Machines Mark Significant Shift
Recent research conducted by the UNLV Center for Gaming has confirmed what many have suspected: slot machines in Las Vegas have become notably less generous over the past decade. The statewide slot hold in Nevada reached 7.15% in 2025, which means that players received back 92.85% of their wagers. This represents a substantial 26% increase in slot hold when compared to figures from ten years ago, where the return was approximately 94.3%. In monetary terms, this results in machines keeping about 1.5 cents more of every dollar wagered statewide.
The Las Vegas Strip Shows the Lowest Returns to Players
The data highlights a clear disparity across different markets within Nevada. The Las Vegas Strip posted the highest average slot hold at 7.57% since 2004, making it the least favorable location for slot players in the state. Other high-hold regions include Laughlin (7.42%), Downtown Las Vegas (7.17%), and South Shore Lake Tahoe (6.89%). In contrast, Reno offered the most favorable conditions, with an average slot hold of just 5.21%. This means the Strip’s slot hold was roughly 45% greater than Reno’s.
Nevada Stacks Up Well Nationally
Despite these tighter conditions, a national comparison paints Nevada in a relatively positive light. When examining official data from several other major U.S. markets, Nevada maintains a better return to player (RTP) rate than many competitors.
| State | 2025 Slot Hold (%) | Implied RTP (%) | Market Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 7.15 | 92.85 | Baseline |
| Ohio | 7.54 – 7.83* (based on 92.17% to 92.46% RTP Jan–Aug 2025) | 92.17–92.46 | Generally worse than Nevada |
| Pennsylvania | 8.01 | 91.99 | Worse than Nevada |
| Connecticut (Mohegan Sun) | 8.49 | 91.5 | Worse than Nevada |
| Connecticut (Foxwoods) | 8.80 | 91.2 | Worse than Nevada |
| Indiana | 9.84 | 90.16 | Materially worse than Nevada |
| Iowa | 9.81 | 90.19 | Materially worse than Nevada |
*Ohio’s 2025 slot payout percentage ranged from about 92.17% to 92.46%, depending on the month (January to August).
Conclusion: Nevada Faces Tighter Slots, But Remains Competitive
Slot player returns have clearly declined in Nevada, and the Las Vegas Strip holds the distinction of being the least player-friendly market in the state. However, this trend is not unique to Nevada. When compared to major Midwestern and East Coast states, Nevada’s 92.85% return to player rate for 2025 continues to outperform markets such as Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, and, based on recent data, Connecticut. Ohio’s payouts are most aligned with Nevada’s, but still generally fall short of Nevada’s returns.
- Author
Daniel Williams
