Casinos slot in on paybacks

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Updated: November 24, 2011 3:34AM

Usually at this time of month, I report on a casino visit. In March, a hospital stay got in the way. I’m fine, but I didn’t get out to make the rounds.

Instead, I did a little number-crunching, since we’re long overdue for a look at slot machine payback percentages at casinos near Chicago in Illinois and Indiana.

Using the most recent numbers available — January from the Illinois Gaming Board and February from the Indiana Gaming Commission — here’s how area casinos compare at the four most popular denominations:

Pennies

Ameristar (East Chicago) 88.3

Majestic Star II (Gary) 88.2

Majestic Star (Gary) 88.1

Blue Chip (Michigan City) 88.1

Hollywood (Aurora) 87.3

Hollywood (Joliet) 87.2

Horseshoe (Hammond) 86.9

Harrah’s (Joliet) 86.9

Grand Victoria (Elgin) 85.9

Nickels

Majestic Star 95.2

Majestic Star II 94.7

Ameristar 91.7

Blue Chip 90.7

Hollywood Joliet 90.6

Horseshoe 88.6

Hollywood Aurora 87.6

Grand Victoria 87.5

Harrah’s 87.1

Quarters

Ameristar 94.4

Harrah’s 94.4

Hollywood Joliet 93.9

Grand Victoria 93.7

Majestic Star 93.7

Blue Chip 93.0

Majestic Star II 92.6

Hollywood Aurora 92.5

Horseshoe 91.0

Dollars

Harrah’s 94.6

Ameristar 94.1

Grand Victoria 93.7

Blue Chip 93.5

Hollywood Aurora 93.5

Hollywood Joliet 93.1

Horseshoe 93.0

Majestic Star II 92.9

Majestic Star 92.1

A few notes

■ For the most part, it holds true that higher coin denominations bring higher payback percentages holds true. The exception comes on the nickel machines at Majestic Star and Majestic Star II, which bring higher payback percentages than even dollar games at other casinos.

■ Ameristar ranks high in other categories, while other casinos show clear divisions. Harrah’s, for example, ranks low in pennies and nickels, but is in the top tier in quarters and dollars.

■ Payback percentages aren’t the only differences among slot games. You may like the game variety or amenities at a casino that isn’t at the top of the payback charts. You pay your money and you take your choice.

Casino news, notes

■ Guests at Hollywood Casino in Aurora, Ill., could win big in the $250,000 Pay Off Your House on the House Giveaway. Qualifying drawings will be held each Friday in April, along with May 1. The grand finale for the top prize will be May 29. For details, visit hollywoodcasinoaurora.com.

■ Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City is giving away $500, $1,000 and $5,000 prizes in its Cash Splash drawings on April 8 and April 15. Visit bluechipcasino.com.

John Grochowski’s “Casino Answer Man” tips air at 5:18 p.m. Tuesday through Friday on WLS-AM (890).