Nevada's Slot Machines Retain More Wagers with Vegas Strip in the Lead

A recent report from the UNLV Center for Gaming Research indicates that Nevada's slot machines are retaining a greater share of player wagers. The study highlights that the amount kept by casinos (hold percentages) has noticeably increased since 2004.

The rise has raised concern among gamblers, who believe payouts have diminished over time. However, state regulators maintain that these adjustments are compliant with existing laws.

Regulations require machines to return at least 75% of wagers. The average hold rate has climbed from 6.55% in 2004 to 7.15% in 2025.

Regulatory Assurance

Despite suspicions that casinos might manipulate machines to retain more than legally permitted, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) regulators firmly dismiss the notion. Regulators emphasize that any such actions would be easily detected through regular audits and stringent monitoring of gaming devices.

According to Jeremy Eberwein, Chief of the NGCB's Technology Division, slot machines are equipped with fixed configurations that determine their hold percentage, preventing casinos from adjusting them individually. While payouts may vary across machines, the adjustments must adhere to legal limits. Eberwein stated, "These configurations are preset, so it's physically impossible to exceed the allowed hold percentage," reinforcing the integrity of Nevada's gaming industry.

Shifting Returns for Players

The UNLV report reveals a trend in which hold percentages of Nevada's slot machines have risen, while player returns have diminished. In 2004, players received 93.45% of their wagers back, with an average hold of 6.55%. By 2024, this hold percentage increased to 7.15%, reducing player returns to 92.85%. This represents a significant 26% rise in the hold percentage over two decades.

Although the change may appear slight, its cumulative effect on players' winnings is substantial. While gamblers prefer lower hold percentages for better payouts, casinos strive to balance competitive offerings with revenue needs. The Las Vegas Strip reports the highest average hold rate at 7.57%, while Reno offers the lowest at 5.21%.

Nevada slot machines have gotten tighter over the last decade — with the house hold percentage increasing by 26% — according to new study by the UNLV Center for Gaming Research. pic.twitter.com/iso4BW9c9J

— Las Vegas Locally 🌴 (@LasVegasLocally) January 21, 2026

Compliance and Industry Trend

Rusty LeBlanc, head of the NGCB's audit division, emphasizes that exceeding legal limits would be easily detected through regular audits and data evaluations. While advancements in server-based gaming allow casinos to modify themes and settings effortlessly across machines, hold percentage adjustments still need to comply with fixed configurations.