A recent report from the University of Las Vegas and specifically the UNLV Center for Gaming Research committee shows that slot machines in Nevada have become more expensive for players over the last ten years. The machines retain a higher percentage of wagers, returning less to players than in the past.
- In 2025, the average hold percentage (i.e., how much the casino retains from wagers) across Nevada was 7,15%, corresponding to an RTP (Return to Player) of approximately 92,85%. This represents an increase of about 26% in 10 years compared to the 94,3% RTP of a decade ago.
- In simple terms: today players lose on average 1,5 cents more for every dollar played than they did 10 years ago, on a statewide average basis.
Differences between Nevada areas
According to UNLV data, some areas are more “difficult” (higher hold) and others more favorable to players:
- Las Vegas Strip – the highest hold percentage in Nevada – 7,57 % average.
- Laughlin – 7,42%.
- Downtown Las Vegas – 7,17%.
- South Shore Lake Tahoe – 6,89%.
- Reno – the most favorable with an average of 5,21%.
In comparison, therefore, Reno is more advantageous for players while the Strip (the most touristy area) is the worst for those playing slots. And it has its own logic, having a very high tourist rate and players who are generally less attentive to these details that can be “felt” especially in the long run.
To go into detail, we have prepared this table for you:
| Nevada gaming area | % Hold (casino-provider commission) | % RTP (return to player) |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Strip | ~7,57% | ~92,43% |
| Laughlin | ~7,42% | ~92,58% |
| Downtown Las Vegas | ~7,17% | ~92,83% |
| South Shore Lake Tahoe | ~6,89% | ~93,11% |
| Reno | ~5,21% | ~94,79% |
| (state average) Nevada 2025 | 7,15% | ~92,85% |
💡 These values are based on historical average results from the UNLV report (average 2004–2025) with a focus on the latest 2025 measurements.
Comparison with other US states
Casino.org, processing the UNLV study and research, compared Nevada data with other states (official data):
| State | Hold (%) | RTP (%) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada (2025) | 7,15 | ~92,85 | State average |
| Ohio | ~7,54–7,83* | ~92,17–92,46* | Generally slightly worse than Nevada |
| Pennsylvania | 8,01 | ~91,99 | Worse |
| Connecticut (Mohegan & Foxwoods) | 8,49–8,80 | ~91,5–91,2 | Worse |
| Indiana | 9,84 | ~90,16 | Worse |
| Iowa | 9,81 | ~90,19 | Worse |
*Note: Ohio is reported with a monthly range for 2025 (Jan–Aug) and therefore may vary slightly month by month.
Despite things having changed for the worse for players in Nevada regarding slots, in the national context they remain relatively better (more favorable to players) compared to other major markets like Pennsylvania, Indiana, or Iowa.
Nevada casinos still want to keep games attractive; we know that the Las Vegas economy is no longer based solely on casino revenue; in fact, services represent the largest income. We have done a complete report on the new businesses of the Strip’s casino-resorts.
Nevada gaming halls must attract tourists and also beat the strong competition from online casinos, which represent a thorn in their side and offer every type of service as well as first deposit casino bonuses.
Las Vegas multinationals must therefore continue to offer a product that is always competitive for gamblers.
Methodological notes
- RTP (Return to Player) = theoretical % return to the player in the long run.
- Hold % = % retained by the casino (= 100% − RTP).
In the United States, there is no uniform legal value for minimum RTP for slots (except in some states), but in Nevada, the law provides for a theoretical regulatory minimum RTP of no less than 75%, although the actual observed values are generally much higher for competitive reasons and attractiveness to gamblers.
Read more LeoVegas launches “Collection 21”: a tournament dedicated to Live Blackjack enthusiasts
