Modern slots are effectively powered by a computer, just like many electronics are, and like other electronics have specific components built specifically for it. That can mean an finite life, as today’s question addresses:
I was told the casinos can’t get parts for the broken old slots? Is that true? Or is the casino lying and just wanting to banish all the old slots with the software that pays better? Is that what they want to banish “the software that pays” and not the buttons or parts that can be easily replaced with another old machines’ buttons that they already took out?
Shad C.
An old slot that’s no longer supported can get more expensive to operate and fix over time. If it’s not a popular game, it’s probably making less money for the casino, just as it’s getting more expensive to fix. So that leads the casino to have to make some careful decisions.
It’s true that in some cases parts can be cannibalized from other machines, but often it’s the parts that wear out most frequently that are the ones in toughest supply; the one in the decommissioned machines may not be in much better shape than the one it would be replacing.
Slot payback ranges have changed over time, but not so much so that the purpose of replacing old machines is sole to implement “software that pays better,” but certainly if there are newer and very popular games that will virtually be guaranteed to be played more, investing in new equipment can be an easy choice (although one often with its own costs).
That said, when a game is popular, casinos will bend over backwards to keep them running. We’ve heard multiple stories (most notably The D’s efforts to keep Sigma Derby operational) that has led casinos to become part makers to recreate custom parts that are unavailable. Some casinos work incredibly hard to keep King of Africa and Mystical Unicorn running, for instance, because the games have very rabid fans with coin-in that justifies the investment.
And in the cases where a game is super popular, slot makers are also often savvy enough to carry a game into newer cabinets that are up to date and maintained, so that casinos can update the game on the floor while still offering it to players. Cleopatra, Dragon Link and Ultimate Fire Link are just a few examples of games that have maintained popularity on casino floors and have been carried forward onto newer cabinets.
So no, we expect they’re telling the truth about parts – we’ve certainly heard the stories. That said, different casinos have different ways they evaluate these questions. Casinos with coin slots and video poker are more likely to have a program to keep the machines up and running as best they can. Casinos that feature games with enduring popularity keep a careful eye on keeping those machines in working order.
But not every casino is in this position, so if maintenance is skyrocketing in cost, they may just be ready to move on.
Have a question? Submit yours here!
