The annual Loosest Slot Awards highlight the casinos and gaming regions that gave the highest real-world slot returns to players during the 2025 calendar year. Rather than relying on theoretical payout settings, the rankings use publicly reported historical hold data to show where players had the strongest results.
How the survey works
Players often chase popular game features such as hold-and-spin bonuses or other trending mechanics, but experienced slot players also care about one key question: where are the machines paying back the most?
That idea is captured by the term return to player, or RTP. Higher-returning slot floors are commonly described as “loose,” while lower-returning ones are known as “tight.” The awards are built around that distinction and are designed to identify the most player-friendly properties based on actual performance.
The survey stands out for two main reasons:
- It is based on objective data, using reported slot hold and payback figures rather than simulated or theoretical percentages.
- It uses a full year of statistics, which helps smooth out short-term swings that can distort monthly numbers.
Because a single month can be heavily influenced by unusual results, a 12-month sample gives a more dependable picture of long-term slot returns.
Why some casinos are missing
Not every casino appears in the report. The awards can only include jurisdictions and properties that publicly release slot performance numbers. That generally covers commercial casinos and some large tribal properties, but many Native American casinos do not publish this data.
The report is also limited by how regulators present the figures. In some markets, denominations are no longer broken out separately, and no jurisdiction reports slots and video poker as fully separate categories for this survey.
Top national results
For the fifth straight year, Nassau OTB at Resorts World New York City earned the top overall spot in the United States. Its 1,000 slot machines returned 97.3 percent of wagers to players, making it the highest-paying slot destination in this year’s survey.
Nevada again followed closely behind, claiming several of the strongest returns in the country. Reno was the state leader with a 94.72 percent return. The Balance of County market, which includes several off-Strip Clark County casinos, took second place in Nevada at 93.52 percent. The Boulder Strip came next at 93.51 percent.
Regional winners and notable markets
Several major gaming jurisdictions produced repeat winners, while others saw changes at the top.
Atlantic City
Harrah’s remained the city leader with a 91.5 percent return. Borgata held second at 90.65 percent, while Hard Rock repeated in third.
Colorado
Central City moved into first place with 92.26 percent, narrowly surpassing Black Hawk at 92.17 percent. Cripple Creek, a frequent past winner, slipped to third with 91.81 percent.
Connecticut
Mohegan Sun took the top position with a 91.6 percent return, edging Foxwoods by two-tenths of a percentage point.
Indiana
Horseshoe Indianapolis extended its winning streak, collecting its sixth consecutive award with a 90.53 percent return.
Massachusetts
Plainridge Park Casino repeated as the state leader, finishing ahead of Encore Boston Harbor by 92.76 percent to 91.1 percent.
Mississippi
The North River Region led the state at 92.37 percent, ahead of both the Coastal and Central regions.
Missouri
Ameristar St. Charles claimed the top spot with 90.99 percent, just ahead of Hollywood Casino.
Louisiana
Lake Charles returned to first place with 90.49 percent, moving past Baton Rouge.
Pennsylvania
Wind Creek Bethlehem kept its title with a 91.19 percent return, continuing a steady run at the top.
Ohio
Hollywood Columbus earned its fourth consecutive state title with a 92.69 percent return.
What the awards mean for players
The Loosest Slot Awards are intended to help players identify casinos and markets where slot returns have historically been more favorable. They do not guarantee short-term outcomes, but they do provide a practical, data-based way to compare gaming destinations over time.
For players who value long-term payback, these results remain one of the clearest guides to the most generous slot environments in the U.S.
