The California Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas has retired its remaining coin-operated video poker machines, swapping them out for modern ticket-in/ticket-out (TITO) devices. This move leaves only about 140 coin-operated gambling machines across the entire Las Vegas Valley—an area teeming with thousands of digital gaming devices.
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End of an Era at California Hotel & Casino
The California Hotel & Casino’s decision earlier this month to remove its last coin-operated video poker games marks the end of an era. These machines were the last on the casino floor to accept real coins, according to John Mehaffey from vegasadvantage.com. They’ve now been replaced with TITO machines, still offering the same favorable “Jacks or Better” paytable for 25-cent, 50-cent, and $1 bets. Coin-operated machines, once a staple in Vegas, offered a unique sensory experience that modern gadgets just can’t replicate. Their loud, metallic clatter was synonymous with classic Vegas. But they were also labor-intensive, requiring a cadre of staff to manage coin-counting and maintenance. In contrast, TITO machines are hassle-free—they don’t jam, run dry, or require nighttime staff to lug heavy coin buckets around the floor.
Where to Find the Last Coin Slots
If you’re a fan of coin slots, you’d have to visit select spots. El Cortez downtown boasts the largest collection of vintage reel slots and video poker games. Nearby, Slots-A-Fun offers a small cluster of coin machines near its entrance, continuing its tradition since Circus Circus Enterprises purchased it in 1979. Meanwhile, Henderson’s Skyline Casino maintains a lineup of classic reel slots on Boulder Highway. The Golden Gate, Las Vegas’ oldest continuously operated hotel, joined the elite group of properties preserving coin slots after acquiring one of the last operational Sigma Derby horse-racing games. The machine was ceremoniously moved with a parade, showcasing its cultural significance on Fremont Street.
Nostalgia vs. Practicality
For many, the dwindling number of coin-operated machines stirs a blend of nostalgia and practicality. The machines evoke memories of quarters clinking into trays and the deliberate pace of feeding coins, a tactile experience cherished by a small but dedicated group of players. Mark Ostermann, co-host of Miles to Memories Vegas, light-heartedly remarked that all Vegas needs is for popular YouTuber Vegas Matt to play a few coin machines, joking that it would rekindle interest in the old-school games. However, as labor costs climb and newer technologies dominate, nostalgia alone can’t preserve these relics.
What’s Next for Coin Slots in Vegas?
The steady decline of coin-operated slots appears irreversible. As the industry continues to embrace digital solutions for efficiency’s sake, the handful of properties still offering coin machines may eventually phase them out. But for now, those nostalgic for the clink of coins can still find these time capsules scattered around Vegas. Whether they’ll remain is a question only time can answer.
Eri Gaitu leads the news desk at Best in Slot, tracking breaking developments across the gambling world in real time. From exclusive bonus offers and casino launches to licensing updates and regulatory shifts, Eri ensures readers are always first to know about the changes that matter to their gaming experience.
