Playing slots in Atlantic City is a thrill. There's nothing like hitting a big winner, hearing the buzzer go off and driving home with a fatter wallet in your pocket.
They tend to be where a lot of people are around, but just far enough since it's brings players to the slots thinking they'll get lucky. Atlantic City Casinos have to have minimum of 85% payout in the slots vs. 90±% in Las Vegas. The best $25 slots can be found at Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino, where they had a 94.4 percent RTP last year. The Atlantic City average for $25 slots in 2017 was 92.5 percent RTP. For $100 slots, Resorts Casino Hotel and Tropicana Casino & Resort Atlantic City posted 94.1 and 94.2 percent RTP respectively last year.
However, it's not always feasible to drive to America's Playground. Life can get in the way.
Fortunately, that doesn't mean you have to stop playing your favorite slot machine games. NewJersey is home to nearly two dozen online casinos, and all of them have several great slot titles available.
In fact, you can find versions of some of your favorite slot machines online.
So, here's a handy guide that will both help you find your preferred games and, when you want to explore, pick new ones to try.
As it turns out, playing on a slot machine is not just about pulling a lever or pressing a button. Well — it's mostly that, but not entirely so.
Online casinos with Atlantic City slots
Home to 22 online casinos, New Jersey is one of the most well-established online casino markets in the US. Online poker get free money instantly.
Players in the Garden State have been able to access games with their mobile devices since 2013.
Naturally, every single one of the online casinos in NJ offers slot titles.
While some of these games are unique to online play, and sometimes the online casino itself, many of the games are either versions of or similar to actual slot machines found in Atlantic City's nine casino properties. Empire resorts casino monticello new york.
Top 5 AC slots available online
So, here are some of the best-known Atlantic City slot games that you can also find online.
Many of these games are available on multiple sites, so you don't have to restrict yourself to any particular online casino to find your favorite game.
By no means is this list meant to be exhaustive. The range of online slot titles is staggering and far too great to list.
For instance, the Golden Nugget online casino has 644slottitles under its banner.
Most of the other online casinos in New Jersey have at least 100 games.
The list of games below, therefore, are just a few of the choices you have for Atlantic City slot titles that appear online.
1. Quick Hits – A classic from Bally
Quick Hits is a series of slot games designed by Bally and Scientific Games. The game is quite popular because of its simple action and old-school sensibilities.
Best Odds Slot Machines Atlantic City Poker
In fact, Quick Hits' games are some of the few remaining slot titles to make extensive use of reel symbols like cherries, bells, bars and 7s. Other symbols that appear on the reels are wilds and the Quick Hit, the latter of which portends bigger slot payouts.
So, players who favor Quick Hits have a decidedly retro sensibility. The game itself is a five-reel machine with 30 paylines and an RTP just over 94%.
Quick Hits also has a bonus symbol that may appear from time to time on the middle three reels. Securing this symbol on all three reels in a single spin will trigger the free spin slot bonus.
2. Siberian Storm – The original Multiway Xtra slot machine
Siberian Storm is a winter-themed game that features jewels, tundra and most prominently, tigers.
The IGT slot game is a staple in both Atlantic City and online casinos throughout New Jersey.
However, Siberian Storm's allure is not simply its theme. Players can also win big on the game, both through its free game system and its 'Multiway Xtra' feature.
The bonus system and its free games are triggered by players who manage to land five bonus symbols on their reels. The free spins begin at eight, and can potentially add up to a player receiving a whopping 240 free turns at winning.
The 'Multiway Xtra' feature explodes the number of paylines up to 720. That, combined with a 94.22% RTP, makes Siberian Storm worth a look.
3. China Shores – A Konami favorite for slot players
China Shores is, as its name implies, an Asian-themed slot title that is nearly ubiquitous in both online and land-based casinos.
The panda mascot is recognizable from across the room, and the game's higher-than-average RTP keeps players loyal.
One of the signature features of China Shores is its free spins bonus. Like many slot games, players who manage to scatter three or more bonus symbols — in this case, yin-yangs — across the reels will result in the player winning at least eight free turns.
The difference is that players will have a choice between taking the free spins and selecting an option known as the credit prize.
The creditprize is a range of guaranteed wins that players can choose if they don't want to take the free spins. The prize can end up being either a better or worse deal than if the player had simply spun, but the idea of locking up a secure win is quite attractive.
The Konami game features 30 paylines, five reels and an RTP of 96.1%. So, in general, your slot dollars will go longer at China Shores than most other machines.
4. Lucky Larry's Lobstermania – Follow Larry in versions 1, 2 and 3
Atlantic City is a coastal town, so it makes sense to play a slot game that evokes the feeling of being out on the water. Lucky Larry's Lobstermania (and its variants) does exactly that.
Lucky Larry's is a popular creation from game developer IGT. It features the game's namesake attempting to collect treasure as he explores lighthouses and fishes for lobsters in locales around the world.
One of the most notable features of Lucky Larry's is its animation, which is brightly colored and reminds players of SpongeBob SquarePants. However, what keeps players coming back is the potential for big wins.
Lucky Larry's Lobstermania is a five-reel game with 40 paylines. Players can win opportunities for multiple bonuses, free spins, and multipliers while they play this 94.14% RTP title.
5. Wheel of Fortune – A staple in any online casino
Wheel of Fortune is a marquee title, no matter where you're playing.
The slot machine version of the long-running game show, a product of powerhouse developer IGT, continues to draw crowds wherever it is.
Part of the game's lasting appeal is its signature bonus, which features the eponymous wheel itself. Players spend multiple games in an attempt to trigger this famous bonus, which pays out every time and can potentially result in a jackpot for the player.
There are so many iterations of Wheel of Fortune, both online and live, that it would be impossible to detail how each one works. However, no matter which version you play, it is always a good thing when the game chants 'Wheel of Fortune' at you.
The different versions of Wheel of Fortune bear a wide range of RTPs and paylines. However, they are usually five-reeled games and will always return 94% or better for every person who plays.
What does RTP mean?
By now, if you've read this far, you've seen the acronym RTP.
If you're unfamiliar with slot machines or have never given them much thought beyond pulling the lever (a reasonable position to take), you may be wondering what RTP is, and why it matters.
RTP is short for return to player. Simply put, it's the percentage of money that a player can expect to get back from a slot machine in the long run.
Believe it or not, despite their reputation as 'one-armed bandits,' slot machines are designed to not keep most of the money that they receive as wagers.
You can usually find the RTP information of any slot machine you play by either looking around the machine or asking a customer service representative. In fact, some machines even use their high RTPs as a selling point.
Of course, the RTP figure that you receive is the theoretical RTP. In other words, it's the return that you would receive if you had an infinite amount of money and time to play.
In the short run, your actual return can and does vary wildly. Many times, you receive nothing in return. However, we all play for those times that the return goes over 100%.
Atlantic City slot machine payouts
As it turns out, New Jersey regulates the minimum RTP that a slot machine can produce. By regulation, no slot device in the Garden State can return less than 83% of its wagers.
Furthermore, operators are limited in how much they can reward players for betting higher. In other words, low-limit players cannot be penalized for their play by more than 100th of a percentage point unless the game itself has a low drop in RTP.
Atlantic City slots vs. online slots
Of course, both Atlantic City and online slot games in New Jersey must abide by this same regulation. However, the difference between the two is the ease of gaining information.
Most online slot games have their RTPs front and center in the information they provide. A simple click can reveal not only the player's expected return but also the maximum bet level and the maximumwin possible.
This transparency means that online slots cannot afford to have many games approaching the legal limit for RTP. The power of competition yields a situation where it's a challenge to find an online slot with an RTP below 94%.
Atlantic City slots have a bit more leeway in terms of competitive pressures. It's just not as easy to change one's game or casino so that you might see lower RTPs here and there. In general, AC casinos have average RTPs that hover between 91.5%-92.5%. Casinos near seattle with slot machines near me.
Regardless of whether you're playing live or online, you should generally gravitate toward games with a higher RTP. Otherwise, you're giving up extra percentage points to the house. Trust us; they have plenty of those already.
Can I earn comps at AC casinos for playing online?
Yes, but it varies from casino to casino. Some online casinos in New Jersey have loyalty programs that allow you a direct or indirect route to perks at Atlantic City properties.
For instance, Golden Nugget players are automatically enrolled in the site's Ultimate Rewards program when they register. Players receive perks and benefits based upon their level of play.
Should a player earn 5,000 Golden Points, he or she becomes a member of Golden Nugget's VIP Rewards Club. One of the benefits of the club is complimentary perks at Golden Nugget Atlantic City, so playing online can certainly turn into real-life amenities.
Similarly, Tropicana online has its online VIP loyalty program.
Though the program is reserved for high-wagering, high-volume players, it is possible to receive comped getaways to the hotel in Atlantic City, tickets to major events, and luxury dining experiences as a result of your play.
However, the path to comps is not always as clear at every online casino. For example, players at Borgata online can earn iRewards Points from their play. Still, unless they convert these to Express Comps, there's no direct connection to any of Borgata or MGM's amenities through its online casino loyalty program.
Some casinos are even more segregated.
Instead of involving real-world components, they simply award cash back to players for achieving certain levels of play.
There are even some online casinos in New Jersey who eschew loyalty programs and comps altogether. They choose to serve their customers in other ways.
Fortunately, that doesn't mean you have to stop playing your favorite slot machine games. NewJersey is home to nearly two dozen online casinos, and all of them have several great slot titles available.
In fact, you can find versions of some of your favorite slot machines online.
So, here's a handy guide that will both help you find your preferred games and, when you want to explore, pick new ones to try.
As it turns out, playing on a slot machine is not just about pulling a lever or pressing a button. Well — it's mostly that, but not entirely so.
Online casinos with Atlantic City slots
Home to 22 online casinos, New Jersey is one of the most well-established online casino markets in the US. Online poker get free money instantly.
Players in the Garden State have been able to access games with their mobile devices since 2013.
Naturally, every single one of the online casinos in NJ offers slot titles.
While some of these games are unique to online play, and sometimes the online casino itself, many of the games are either versions of or similar to actual slot machines found in Atlantic City's nine casino properties. Empire resorts casino monticello new york.
Top 5 AC slots available online
So, here are some of the best-known Atlantic City slot games that you can also find online.
Many of these games are available on multiple sites, so you don't have to restrict yourself to any particular online casino to find your favorite game.
By no means is this list meant to be exhaustive. The range of online slot titles is staggering and far too great to list.
For instance, the Golden Nugget online casino has 644slottitles under its banner.
Most of the other online casinos in New Jersey have at least 100 games.
The list of games below, therefore, are just a few of the choices you have for Atlantic City slot titles that appear online.
1. Quick Hits – A classic from Bally
Quick Hits is a series of slot games designed by Bally and Scientific Games. The game is quite popular because of its simple action and old-school sensibilities.
Best Odds Slot Machines Atlantic City Poker
In fact, Quick Hits' games are some of the few remaining slot titles to make extensive use of reel symbols like cherries, bells, bars and 7s. Other symbols that appear on the reels are wilds and the Quick Hit, the latter of which portends bigger slot payouts.
So, players who favor Quick Hits have a decidedly retro sensibility. The game itself is a five-reel machine with 30 paylines and an RTP just over 94%.
Quick Hits also has a bonus symbol that may appear from time to time on the middle three reels. Securing this symbol on all three reels in a single spin will trigger the free spin slot bonus.
2. Siberian Storm – The original Multiway Xtra slot machine
Siberian Storm is a winter-themed game that features jewels, tundra and most prominently, tigers.
The IGT slot game is a staple in both Atlantic City and online casinos throughout New Jersey.
However, Siberian Storm's allure is not simply its theme. Players can also win big on the game, both through its free game system and its 'Multiway Xtra' feature.
The bonus system and its free games are triggered by players who manage to land five bonus symbols on their reels. The free spins begin at eight, and can potentially add up to a player receiving a whopping 240 free turns at winning.
The 'Multiway Xtra' feature explodes the number of paylines up to 720. That, combined with a 94.22% RTP, makes Siberian Storm worth a look.
3. China Shores – A Konami favorite for slot players
China Shores is, as its name implies, an Asian-themed slot title that is nearly ubiquitous in both online and land-based casinos.
The panda mascot is recognizable from across the room, and the game's higher-than-average RTP keeps players loyal.
One of the signature features of China Shores is its free spins bonus. Like many slot games, players who manage to scatter three or more bonus symbols — in this case, yin-yangs — across the reels will result in the player winning at least eight free turns.
The difference is that players will have a choice between taking the free spins and selecting an option known as the credit prize.
The creditprize is a range of guaranteed wins that players can choose if they don't want to take the free spins. The prize can end up being either a better or worse deal than if the player had simply spun, but the idea of locking up a secure win is quite attractive.
The Konami game features 30 paylines, five reels and an RTP of 96.1%. So, in general, your slot dollars will go longer at China Shores than most other machines.
4. Lucky Larry's Lobstermania – Follow Larry in versions 1, 2 and 3
Atlantic City is a coastal town, so it makes sense to play a slot game that evokes the feeling of being out on the water. Lucky Larry's Lobstermania (and its variants) does exactly that.
Lucky Larry's is a popular creation from game developer IGT. It features the game's namesake attempting to collect treasure as he explores lighthouses and fishes for lobsters in locales around the world.
One of the most notable features of Lucky Larry's is its animation, which is brightly colored and reminds players of SpongeBob SquarePants. However, what keeps players coming back is the potential for big wins.
Lucky Larry's Lobstermania is a five-reel game with 40 paylines. Players can win opportunities for multiple bonuses, free spins, and multipliers while they play this 94.14% RTP title.
5. Wheel of Fortune – A staple in any online casino
Wheel of Fortune is a marquee title, no matter where you're playing.
The slot machine version of the long-running game show, a product of powerhouse developer IGT, continues to draw crowds wherever it is.
Part of the game's lasting appeal is its signature bonus, which features the eponymous wheel itself. Players spend multiple games in an attempt to trigger this famous bonus, which pays out every time and can potentially result in a jackpot for the player.
There are so many iterations of Wheel of Fortune, both online and live, that it would be impossible to detail how each one works. However, no matter which version you play, it is always a good thing when the game chants 'Wheel of Fortune' at you.
The different versions of Wheel of Fortune bear a wide range of RTPs and paylines. However, they are usually five-reeled games and will always return 94% or better for every person who plays.
What does RTP mean?
By now, if you've read this far, you've seen the acronym RTP.
If you're unfamiliar with slot machines or have never given them much thought beyond pulling the lever (a reasonable position to take), you may be wondering what RTP is, and why it matters.
RTP is short for return to player. Simply put, it's the percentage of money that a player can expect to get back from a slot machine in the long run.
Believe it or not, despite their reputation as 'one-armed bandits,' slot machines are designed to not keep most of the money that they receive as wagers.
You can usually find the RTP information of any slot machine you play by either looking around the machine or asking a customer service representative. In fact, some machines even use their high RTPs as a selling point.
Of course, the RTP figure that you receive is the theoretical RTP. In other words, it's the return that you would receive if you had an infinite amount of money and time to play.
In the short run, your actual return can and does vary wildly. Many times, you receive nothing in return. However, we all play for those times that the return goes over 100%.
Atlantic City slot machine payouts
As it turns out, New Jersey regulates the minimum RTP that a slot machine can produce. By regulation, no slot device in the Garden State can return less than 83% of its wagers.
Furthermore, operators are limited in how much they can reward players for betting higher. In other words, low-limit players cannot be penalized for their play by more than 100th of a percentage point unless the game itself has a low drop in RTP.
Atlantic City slots vs. online slots
Of course, both Atlantic City and online slot games in New Jersey must abide by this same regulation. However, the difference between the two is the ease of gaining information.
Most online slot games have their RTPs front and center in the information they provide. A simple click can reveal not only the player's expected return but also the maximum bet level and the maximumwin possible.
This transparency means that online slots cannot afford to have many games approaching the legal limit for RTP. The power of competition yields a situation where it's a challenge to find an online slot with an RTP below 94%.
Atlantic City slots have a bit more leeway in terms of competitive pressures. It's just not as easy to change one's game or casino so that you might see lower RTPs here and there. In general, AC casinos have average RTPs that hover between 91.5%-92.5%. Casinos near seattle with slot machines near me.
Regardless of whether you're playing live or online, you should generally gravitate toward games with a higher RTP. Otherwise, you're giving up extra percentage points to the house. Trust us; they have plenty of those already.
Can I earn comps at AC casinos for playing online?
Yes, but it varies from casino to casino. Some online casinos in New Jersey have loyalty programs that allow you a direct or indirect route to perks at Atlantic City properties.
For instance, Golden Nugget players are automatically enrolled in the site's Ultimate Rewards program when they register. Players receive perks and benefits based upon their level of play.
Should a player earn 5,000 Golden Points, he or she becomes a member of Golden Nugget's VIP Rewards Club. One of the benefits of the club is complimentary perks at Golden Nugget Atlantic City, so playing online can certainly turn into real-life amenities.
Similarly, Tropicana online has its online VIP loyalty program.
Though the program is reserved for high-wagering, high-volume players, it is possible to receive comped getaways to the hotel in Atlantic City, tickets to major events, and luxury dining experiences as a result of your play.
However, the path to comps is not always as clear at every online casino. For example, players at Borgata online can earn iRewards Points from their play. Still, unless they convert these to Express Comps, there's no direct connection to any of Borgata or MGM's amenities through its online casino loyalty program.
Some casinos are even more segregated.
Instead of involving real-world components, they simply award cash back to players for achieving certain levels of play.
There are even some online casinos in New Jersey who eschew loyalty programs and comps altogether. They choose to serve their customers in other ways.
If receiving comps for your play is a big deal to you, you will need to shop around New Jersey's various online casinos.
The most important thing is to find a scheme that is right for you and makes you comfortable.
In conclusion, we are blessed to live in an era where it's not always necessary to travel to play our favorite slot games. Thanks to the online casinos in New Jersey, Atlantic City aficionados can choose between thousands of games from the comfort of their homes.
Introduction to New Jersey Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2020
New Jersey slot machine casino gambling consists of nine casinos in Atlantic City. None of the three racetracks or off-track betting (OTB) facilities offer physical slot machines. However, New Jersey has legalized online slots for real-money gambling.
The New Jersey gaming commission has established a minimum payout limit for slots machines in Atlantic City. Monthly return statistics are publicly available.
This post continues my weekly State-By-State Slot Machine Casino Gambling Series, an online resource dedicated to guiding slot machine casino gambler to success. Now in its third year, each weekly post reviews slots gambling in a single U.S. state, territory, or federal district.
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Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in New Jersey*
The minimum legal gambling age in New Jersey depends upon the gambling activity:
- Land-Based Casinos: 21
- Poker Rooms: 21
- Bingo: 18
- Lottery: 18
- Pari-Mutuel Wagering: 18
Historically, New Jersey's Atlantic City established legalized gaming on the eastern side of the United States from Nevada. Voters legalized casino gambling in Atlantic City in 1976. The New Jersey Casino Control Act became state law in 1977. The first casino in New Jersey, the Resorts International Casino, opened in Atlantic City in 1978.
During their peak in 2006, when they were the only commercial casinos in the eastern U.S., Atlantic City casinos were an economic boon. Afterward, the many casinos and racinos throughout the eastern states, along with the Great Recession, hugely reduced the profitability of Atlantic City casinos. Since the reopening of two casinos in mid-2018, Atlantic City casinos have seen a significant upturn in profitability.
*The purpose of this section is to inform the public of state gambling laws and how the laws might apply to various forms of gaming. It is not legal advice.
Slot Machine Private Ownership in New Jersey
It is legal to own a slot machine privately in New Jersey if manufactured before 1941.
Gaming Control Board in New Jersey
The State of New Jersey Casino Control Commission regulates online and Atlantic City casino gambling alongside the state's Division of Gaming Enforcement. The Commission is an independent agency while the Division is an arm of the New Jersey's Attorney General's Office.
New Jersey's gaming regulations promoting a safe and robust gaming industry are publicly available from the Casino Control Commission. However, the Division of Gaming Enforcement announces Atlantic City jackpots of $50,000 or more won each year in Atlantic City, including sharing such useful jackpot information as:
- Date
- Casino
- Jackpot amount
- Slot machine denomination, manufacturer, and game theme
Casinos in New Jersey
There are nine commercial casinos in New Jersey.
The largest casino in New Jersey is Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa with 3,000 gaming machines.
The second-largest casino is Resorts Casino Hotel with 2,500 gaming machines.
Commercial Casinos in New Jersey
New Jersey has nine casinos in Atlantic City including:
The Wild Wild West Casino is officially a portion of Bally's Atlantic City, often considered by the public to be a separate casino.
Tribal Casinos in New Jersey
New Jersey has no federally-recognized American Indian Tribes. Therefore, the state does not have any tribal casinos.
Other Gambling Establishments
As an alternative to enjoying New Jersey slot machine casino gambling, consider exploring casino options in a nearby state. Bordering New Jersey is:
- North: New York Slots
- East and South: Atlantic Ocean
- South and West: Delaware Bat
- West: Pennsylvania Slots
Each of the links above will take you to my blog for that neighboring U.S. state to New Jersey.
Online slots for real-money gambling is a real alternative for New Jersey, but only if you are physically located within the state. The state offers a verified list with links of state-approved Internet Gaming Sites.
If an online gaming site is not on this list, it's not approved to offer internet gaming in the State of New Jersey.
Our New Jersey Slots Facebook Group
Are you interested in sharing and learning with other slots enthusiasts in New Jersey? If so, join our new New Jersey slots community on Facebook. All you'll need is a Facebook profile to join this closed Facebook Group freely.
There, you'll be able to privately share your slots experiences as well as chat with players about slots gambling in New Jersey. Join us!
Payout Returns in New Jersey
New Jersey gaming regulations require all slot machines have a minimum theoretical payout of at least 83%.
The Division of Gaming Enforcement makes New Jersey gaming Financial and Statistical Information publicly available with monthly and quarterly gross revenue reports. The monthly gross revenue reports are most useful with regards to return statistics.
Further, the Division offers Monthly Gross Gaming Revenues with casino win statistics. These monthly statistics provide a Win% which, in New Jersey, is the amount won by the casino instead of the more usual amount won by the player. Player Win% is 100% minus the Casino Win% provided in these monthly reports.
For March 2020, the number of slot machines and overall player win percentage at each of the nine casinos in Atlantic City was:
- Bally's (1,775 slot machines): 100% minus 8.2% equals 91.8%
- Borgata (2,864 slot machines): 92.0%
- Caesars (1,888 slot machines): 91.4%
- Golden Nugget (1,417 slot machines): 91.2%
- Hard Rock (2,167 slot machines): 90.4%
- Harrah's (2,036 slot machines): 91.7%
- Ocean (1,758 slot machines): 90.0%
- Resorts (1,436 slot machines): 90.4%
- Tropicana (2,357 slot machines): 90.5%
For March 2020, the highest return for players went to the Borgata at 92.0% followed closely by Bally's at 91.8% and Harrah's at 91.7%.
The lowest return went to Ocean at 90.0% closely followed by Hard Rock and Resorts at 90.4%.
Best Odds Slot Machines Atlantic City Online Casino
Summary of New Jersey Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2020
Best Odds Slot Machines Atlantic City 2020
New Jersey slot machine casino gambling consists of nine casinos in Atlantic City as well as internet gaming choices for individuals physically located within the borders of New Jersey.
The theoretical payout minimum limit for slot machines is 83%. Monthly return statistics are publicly available for each casino.
Annual Progress in New Jersey Slot Machine Casino Gambling
Over the last year, there has been little change to the slots gaming industry in New Jersey outside of the significant issues related to the global pandemic.
Other State-By-State Articles from Professor Slots
- Previous: New Hampshire Slot Machine Casino Gambling
- Next: New Mexico Slot Machine Casino Gambling
Have fun, be safe, and make good choices!
By Jon H. Friedl, Jr. Ph.D., President
Jon Friedl, LLC
