Downtown’s California Casino has removed all its coin-operated slot machines, leaving just two Las Vegas casinos offering them: El Cortez and Circus Circus.
The Cal removed about 20 coin-operated video poker machines from the casino floor due to them being a huge pain in the ass. That’s not the official reason, but it’s the reason.
Slots that use coins are nearly extinct in Las Vegas now. Once beloved, coins have been replaced by TITO (ticket-in, ticket-out) vouchers. Which is like sex with a condom. It’s a lot neater, but not nearly as much fun.
We asked Boyd Gaming for a comment about the removal of the coin machines at The California, but got a “no comment.”
So, we asked ChatGPT to write a statement: “The California Hotel & Casino has made the difficult decision to remove its remaining coin-operated slot machines as part of our ongoing efforts to modernize the casino floor and ensure the best possible experience for our guests. While coin-in machines hold a special place in casino history, the operational requirements associated with maintaining this equipment have become increasingly complex over time. We understand these games have a loyal following, especially among guests who appreciate the nostalgia and distinctive sound of coins in the tray. That legacy is important to us, and we are grateful for the many memories these machines helped create at The Cal. The Cal remains committed to offering a fun, comfortable and authentic gaming experience, including a wide variety of slot and video poker options. We look forward to continuing to welcome our guests with the same hospitality they have come to expect from Boyd Gaming and The California Hotel & Casino.”
We are all fired. Prior to A.I., a statement like this would’ve taken three weeks of drafts and approvals. This was written in 30 seconds.
Anyway, the coin machines at The Cal did have a loyal following. Some people just like getting their fingers dirty. That gritty experience is hard to replicate, although slot makers have tried, at least in part.
When TITO technology was rolled out, slot manufacturers realized people missed the sound of coins hitting a metal coin tray. They recreated the sound and many modern machines play it over speakers in the slot machine. Which is like sex with a condom. It’s a lot like sex, but it’s just not the same.
Some of our fondest Las Vegas memories involved gambling with our dearly departed grandmother, who, on one glorious occasion, hit a jackpot at Golden Nugget on a coin-operated Blazing Sevens machine. The machine spewed buckets and buckets of $1 tokens, and to this day, it’s our belief this was the greatest day of our grandmother’s life. We sent a news release about her win to her local paper back east and they printed it.
The loss of coin machines hasn’t made everyone sad, however. For many years, techs and attendants dealt with a variety of challenges and physical ailments related to coins including lifting, fills, jams, counting and repetitive strain.
Hopper fill bags weigh 25-30 pounds. Ticket-in, ticket-out wasn’t just an innovation, it was workers’ comp claim prevention.
There are still intrepid attendants who lug coins, however. The folks at Circus Circus (specifically, its Slots A Fun) and El Cortez stay busy taking care of coin die-hards.
It’s worth noting there is one coin-operated machine at Golden Gate, Sigma Derby.
And Skyline Casino, located in Vegas-adjacent Henderson, has coin machines.
Coin slots are a dying breed in Las Vegas, but we still love the feel of those grimy coins in our hands. In limited doses. On rare occasions. Because it’s really gross.
Hat tip to our friend John Mehaffey who was the first to report the removal of the coin machines at The Cal.
Most Las Vegas visitors stick to The Strip, so Slots A Fun at Circus Circus is their only chance to play these classic coin machines. (The Cal only had coin-operated video poker.)
ChatGPT, do your thing: “Circus Circus has always embraced classic Las Vegas, and coin-operated slot machines are part of that experience. With recent changes downtown, we’re proud to be the last casino on The Strip where guests can still enjoy the unmistakable sound and nostalgia of real coins in real machines. We welcome anyone looking to keep that tradition alive, including longtime fans of The Cal’s coin machines.”
Yep, we’re all fired.
