A:
We get this question around once a year and always enjoy running the answer, even though it doesn't change. People, including us, remember these machines with fondness, so it's a fun stroll down memory lane.
The name of the "coin-pusher machines" is Flip-It.
There’s something hypnotic about inserting a quarter or dollar token into a slot, then watching as spinners “flip it” onto one of various shelves. Mechanical arms push it into a stack of money that's moved closer and closer to the edge of the front spill tray. In fact, some people go so far as calling it addictive.
Flip-It isn't exactly a big money-maker for the casino, which is most likely why they’ve gone away over the past 20 years. Most Flip It enthusiasts play one quarter at a time (we know we did!), then stand and watch for a few moments for an outcome. Not exactly video poker -- where even slow low-rollers can run hundreds of dollars an hour through a machine.
The casinos did, of course, make a little money on Flip-It machines. A lot of quarters spill over the side edges and disappear into the bowels of the machine. That’s the casino hold. Basic strategy is to insert the coins into the center slots, so as to avoid the edges as much as possible.
There are a few more nuances to this game (volatility, jackpot baskets, coin-counting, and the house edge) and if you’re interested, Michael Bluejay tells the whole Flip-It story on wizardofodds.com. At the time it was written (2002), there were still coin-pushers at Golden Gate and Four Queens downtown and the Stratosphere and Sahara on the Strip.
Variations of the machine can still be found in some arcades; rather than coins being returned, you get tickets that can be exchanged for prizes.
But we haven't seen a Flip-It machine in a Nevada casino in nearly two decades. Most of the old quarter-pushers have migrated to cruise-ship casinos. Jean Scott always liked to check the machines when the ship was in choppy waters. "A big wave might shift those quarters to make it easier to score!"
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FAQs
Variations of the machine can still be found in some arcades; rather than coins being returned, you get tickets that can be exchanged for prizes. But we haven't seen a Flip-It machine in a Nevada casino in nearly two decades. Most of the old quarter-pushers have migrated to cruise-ship casinos.
What Vegas casinos have coin pushers? ›
One of the most iconic places to play coin pushers in Las Vegas is at Circus Circus. This legendary hotel and casino is known for its carnival-like atmosphere, and it's no surprise that they offer a wide selection of arcade games, including coin pushers.
What states have coin pushers in casinos? ›
Are Coin Pushers Legal in Certain States? Coin pushers are now considered illegal in casinos in the vast majority of areas. In Minnesota and Illinois, it is legal for a casino to have a coin pusher, but it has to be licensed by the Department of Revenue.
Where can I play coin slots in Vegas? ›
Find Coin-Op Slot Machines
- Circus Circus. Classic Coin Machines! ...
- Slots A Fun. Means Lots o' Fun. ...
- El Cortez. There's no sound sweeter than hitting a jackpot at the El Cortez, especially on one of the original coin machines. ...
- Main Street Station. ...
- Plaza. ...
- The D.
A coin pusher, or a penny pusher is a type of arcade game with the objective of winning prizes in the form of coins or other items. Prizes are won when they are dislodged from a playfield covered in coins, into a payout slot.
Do any Vegas casinos still use coins? ›
Yes, a few casinos still have coin- and token-operated slots and video poker machines on the floor. El Cortez proudly advertises them. The California downtown has a bunch, as does the Skyline out on Boulder Highway. And, of course, Sigma Derby at the D takes and pays out in quarters only.
Do Dave and Busters have coin pushers? ›
An innovative coin pusher game where players can win character cards based on the classic television series that can be collected or redeemed for redemption tickets. Collect the entire 8 card set or redeem the entire set for out-of-this-world ticket values.
Do arcades have coin pushers? ›
“Arcades are like mini-casinos, it's just stupid fun getting tickets, hitting jackpots or collecting cards from these (coin-pusher) machines,” said Ms Yvonne, who works in the public relations industry. “It's not like the arcades in the past where you just play these racing games or play with friends.
Which US state has no casino? ›
The right to regulate gambling is left to individual states, not the federal government. As of now, only two states—Utah and Hawaii—have completely banned all forms of gambling.
Does Circus Circus have coin machines? ›
Check out our Classic Coin Machines! You can play $1 tokens in the Main Casino or try your luck on quarters at Slots A Fun. Magnificent 7's - These classic 97.4% payback $1.00 slots are the favorite among locals and regulars.
Among slot machines, the best games for players are $25-denomination machines, which had a casino win rate of 5.03 percent on 126 units. In 2023, $25 slots won $22.8 million for casinos.
When did Vegas stop using coins? ›
But around 1999 or 2000. The bigger corporate places did it first. Then the smaller places, and downtown. By about 2003, there were very few machines in Vegas accepting coins.
Which casinos have coin pushers? ›
Where can I find coin pusher machine in Vegas?
- Circus Circus Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. Las Vegas, NV. ...
- American Inn. Las Vegas, NV. ...
- Excalibur Hotel & Casino. Las Vegas, NV. ...
- Bellagio Las Vegas. 10,957 reviews. ...
- The Venetian Resort. Las Vegas, NV. ...
- Caesars Palace. Las Vegas, NV. ...
- Paris Las Vegas. Las Vegas, NV. ...
- Luxor Hotel & Casino.
Variations of the machine can still be found in some arcades; rather than coins being returned, you get tickets that can be exchanged for prizes. But we haven't seen a Flip-It machine in a Nevada casino in nearly two decades. Most of the old quarter-pushers have migrated to cruise-ship casinos.
Are there true penny slots in Vegas? ›
Even if you're not planning to visit the Spin lounge, ARIA is still a great place to play slots. They have penny and dollar slots, as well as plenty of the standard high-return machines that frequent gamblers love. The casino is refreshingly smoke-free, thanks to its air purification system.
Do casinos have cash machines? ›
Yes, all of our casinos have ATM cash machines which will accept all major debit cards (with no fee).
