How Much Difference Does It Make Which Denomination Of Money You Play In A Slot Machine?

 Let's just say that I was having a below-average day at the casino yesterday. I had been playing "Dragon Link" slot machines all afternoon (My Fave). I played pennies, 2 cents, nickels, and dimes.  Win a little, lose a little more. Never getting ahead too much. So, as I was about to leave and go home. I took out $40 and decided to play dollars ($5.00 a spin). Let's just say that things picked up. I hit a bonus for $360 on about my 3rd spin, dropped it back to a dime ($2.50 a spin), did three spins, and went back to playing dollars. Three or four spins and this happened:

Cashed out plus $750. All on dollar denomination wins.

Makes me wonder why the pennies, nickels, and dimes weren't doing so good, while the dollars were winning? This brings me to my blog today. 

How much difference does it make which denomination of money you play in a slot machine?

Take it from me that the denomination you choose when playing a slot machine can make a significant difference in a few different ways.

Payback Percentage (Return to Player)

Higher denominations typically have higher payback percentages.

Penny slots often have 85%–89% payback.

Quarter or dollar machines tend to offer 90%–95%.

$5 or $10 machines may give 95%–98% or more.

This means over time, higher-denomination machines theoretically return more of your money.

Example: $1 machine may return $95 per $100 played, while a penny slot might only return $88.

Bet Size and Volatility

Higher-denomination machines usually require bigger bets per spin, even if the denomination is higher.

Penny slots often trick players into betting $1–$3+ per spin due to multiple lines and features, despite appearing "cheaper."

Jackpot and Bonus Potential

Higher-denomination slots tend to offer bigger jackpots and more substantial bonuses.

Lower-denomination machines often rely on lots of flashy features but offer smaller wins.

Bankroll Considerations

Playing higher denominations can burn through your bankroll quickly if you're not careful.

Choose based on how much you’re willing to spend per spin, not just denomination.

If you can afford the risk and want better odds, higher denomination machines (like $1 or $5) are statistically better. But for casual or low-budget play, penny or nickel slots give more time on the machine, even if they take more over time.

{My Take}

In the end, the denomination you choose on a slot machine can have a real impact on your overall gambling experience (More Money). Higher denominations often come with better payback percentages and the potential for larger payouts, but they also carry higher risk and require a bigger bankroll. On the other hand, lower-denomination machines may seem less intimidating, but they typically offer lower returns and can eat through your money faster than expected due to complex paylines and bonus features. Knowing how denomination affects the game can help you make smarter choices, whether you're aiming for serious wins or just looking to stretch your playtime.

As for me, show me the money!

Gary England (GE)

The Future Of Live Music Bars And Clubs In Sin City Las Vegas Building the Next Iconic Venue

As Count's Vamp'd and Club Madrid (Sunset Station Hotel) prepare to fade into Las Vegas music history, a glaring question hangs in the air: What kind of venue will step up to carry the torch? These weren’t just music bars—they were cultural anchors for the classic rock and local music community. Their absence leaves not just a scheduling gap, but an emotional and creative void.

If any new or existing venue hopes to rise as a worthy successor, it needs more than a stage and some barstools. Here’s what a venue must bring to the table to truly fill the shoes of Count's Vamp’d and Club Madrid.

A Commitment to Live Music (Not Just Background Noise)
A great music venue doesn't treat live bands like background for drink sales. It needs to be a music-first environment—where lights, sound, and scheduling are built to serve performers, not interrupt them. That means professional sound engineers, solid acoustics, and a setup that respects both the artist and the audience equally.

A Strong Identity and Community Connection
What made Count's Vamp’d and Club Madrid work was more than good music—it was the scene. You walked in and instantly knew what kind of night you were in for. Whether it was a rock-and-roll revival or a tribute night with local bands, there was a sense of belonging. The next great venue needs a clear vibe, a welcoming culture, and a loyalty to local talent.

A Stage for All Levels
From tribute bands to original acts, from seasoned pros to hungry up-and-comers—the best venues book a mix. A successful replacement will offer regular chances for local musicians to break through, while still drawing national or regional acts that bring energy and visibility to the scene.

Good Food, Fair Prices, and No Gimmicks
Let’s face it—no one wants to pay Vegas Strip prices for a burger and a beer in a neighborhood bar. The ideal venue will balance a decent menu with fair drink prices, encouraging people to hang out and come back. Don’t overdo the themes or try too hard to be trendy. A laid-back but high-quality atmosphere wins every time.

Supportive Ownership and Staff
When the people behind the bar, at the door, and in the booth care about the music, you feel it. Artists and fans notice the difference between being treated like a transaction versus a valued guest. A new venue must be artist-friendly and staffed with people who genuinely support the scene.

Location, Parking, and Accessibility
Finally, people need to be able to get there. One of the underrated strengths of Count's Vamp’d and Club Madrid was their location—off-Strip, easy to reach, with free parking and minimal hassle. A potential new music hub should aim for the same accessibility.

{My Thoughts}

As the curtain prepares to close on Count’s Vamp’d and Club Madrid, the Las Vegas music scene stands at a pivotal moment. Replacing these iconic venues isn’t just about opening another bar with a stage—it’s about creating a new home for musicians, fans, and a culture that refuses to fade. The next great venue must respect the legacy, foster genuine community, and deliver the kind of live music experience that keeps people coming back. 

If the right ingredients come together, there’s no doubt the spirit of these beloved spots can live on loud and strong, and ready for the next chapter in Las Vegas music history!

Gary England (GE)

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainment #LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly #InsideGaryEngland

The Las Vegas Local Music Scene At A Crossroads What Comes Next?

 Recently, I asked my friends on Facebook if they had any questions about music, entertainment, or sports in Las Vegas that they'd like me to write a blog about. 

Thanks to my friend Tommy Delaney for his contribution to today's blog.

What he asked:

" I want a blog about what Gary England thinks is the future or the next step for local music's evolution and/or survival"?

{My Take}

Las Vegas has always danced to its own drumbeat!

Sin City LV glows with mega-residencies, global DJs, and over-the-top productions. But outside the Strip’s spotlight lies a passionate, persistent local music scene. And with the recent closing of key venues of Count’s Vamp’d and Club Madrid, a question echoes louder than ever: 

What’s next for the survival and evolution of the local music scene in Las Vegas?

Bands and Musicians in Las Vegas are standing at a creative crossroads. On the one hand, rising rent, venue closures, and a Strip that increasingly favors corporate entertainment make survival more challenging for local talent.

Success won't come from waiting for investors; it'll come from musicians, fans, and entrepreneurs working together to claim new ground. Las Vegas must re-embrace the spirit of collaboration. Bands promoting each other’s shows, artists sharing resources, and local media giving coverage beyond tourist-focused content are crucial. A scene grows stronger when it works as a network, not a competition. Jealousy between bands and musicians can kill a local music scene quickly!

In 2025, the stage isn’t just physical, it’s digital. Musicians and bands must use livestreams, music videos, Instagram reels, and Facebook stories not as afterthoughts but as essential tools. Building an online identity alongside live shows helps Vegas artists reach far beyond city limits. * More time needs to be spent on keeping fans updated on social media, posting a gig once and thinking you're going to fill a venue isn't going to cut it!

* Note: My music and entertainment blogs reach over 100 countries almost constantly, without any extra work at all. Maybe a few extra hashtags here and there. #worldentertainment #worldmusic etc.

Local music needs more than performers; it needs committed fans, businesses willing to sponsor events, and local leaders who see the music arts as essential. Without that support, the soul of Las Vegas music culture risks being drowned out by casino noise.

Genres that once dominated—like classic rock—may give way to younger tastes: Latin fusion, hip-hop, indie, alt-electronic, and multicultural blends. Local musicians should lean into innovation, not nostalgia. Vegas has always been a city of reinvention; the music scene must follow suit.

The future of Las Vegas local music isn’t guaranteed—but it’s not doomed, either. 

It will require grit, unity, reinvention, and grassroots passion. While the Strip may chase global fame, it’s the neighborhoods, bars, small clubs, and local venues where the real Vegas sound lives—and where its next chapter must begin.

This isn’t just about survival. It’s about creating a scene too bold to ignore and too creative to copy. The lights might dim, but the music doesn’t stop. Vegas, it’s your move.

Only The Strong Survive .. Especially In Las Vegas!

Gary England (GE)

My Mind My Mic My Blog My Las Vegas

 Welcome to my new blog (Inside Gary England). 

garyengland.com

A space where Las Vegas takes center stage (It's where I live), but the spotlight doesn’t stop there. While I’ll dive into the heart of Vegas, its music, nightlife, entertainment, sports, casinos, gambling, and hidden gems, this blog is also my open mic for everything else that sparks my curiosity. Whether it’s random thoughts, offbeat observations, music musings, or stories from everyday life, nothing is off-limits. It’s part Vegas, part stream of consciousness, and all unapologetically me!

Gary England (GE)