New York Casinos Payback Percentage

In October 2001, legislation was passed to allow for the introduction of slot machine-type video lottery machines at New York racetracks. Officially referred to as Video Gaming Machines (VGM's), they are regulated by the New York State Lottery Division.

All VGM's offer standard slot machine-type games, plus keno in denominations from five cents to $10. The machines all accept cash but do not pay out in cash. They print a receipt which must be taken to a cashier.

The VGM's do not operate like regular slot machines. Instead, they are similar to scratch-off-type lottery tickets with a pre-determined number of winners.

According to a spokesperson at the Lottery's headquarters, "no public information is available concerning the actual payback percentages on the machines." However, the legislation authorizing the VGM's states, "the specifications for video lottery gaming shall be designed in such a manner as to pay prizes that average no less than ninety percent of sales."

As of July 2007 all New York tracks offered VGM's, except for Aqueduct, which was expected to have them in operation by late 2008.

All Video Gaming Machine facilities are open from 10am to 2am daily and all do not allow smoking.

New York's minimum gambling age is 18 for playing VGM's, as well as for betting on horse and harness racing.

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