Let’s talk about something that’s been flying under the radar for a while—slot advantage play. If you’re running a casino, you might not think it’s a big deal because, after all, the games are still making money. But here’s the reality: it’s not just about whether the games generate revenue, it’s about who is benefiting from that revenue and how it impacts the experience for your everyday players.

This blog is based on our highly successful and widely viewed Slot AP webinar, where we explored the hidden impact of advantage play on your operations.

What is Slot Advantage Play?

Slot advantage play isn’t cheating, but it certainly isn’t how the games were intended to be played. It happens when players figure out how to exploit persistence mechanics, jumping in only when the odds shift in their favor. This concept isn’t new—table games have dealt with advantage play for years, like card counting in blackjack. The difference is that, in slots, advantage players aren’t taking money from the house; they’re taking it from other players. And that’s why it can be difficult for operators to recognize the issue at first.

How Slot Advantage Play Evolved

Historically, slots were purely games of chance. You put your money in, pressed the button, and hoped for the best. But then persistence features were introduced—games that track progress between spins, gradually leading players toward bonuses or larger payouts. The problem? When a game gets close to triggering a high-value feature, advantage players step in. They’re not playing for entertainment like your regular guests; they’re playing the math, and the casual players are the ones funding their success.

Why Should Casino Operators Care?

A common argument is: “If the game is performing, why should I care?” Here’s why:

• Regular players are at a disadvantage. Many casual players unknowingly contribute money into persistence games, not realizing they’re setting things up for someone else to cash in. When they feel like they’re constantly losing, they don’t blame the advantage players—they blame you. They assume the slots are too tight and may choose not to return.
• Advantage players do not reinvest in the property. Unlike recreational players, they aren’t spending money on dining, hotel stays, or other casino offerings. Their goal is simply to extract money and many times create an uncomfortable experience for the rest of your guests,
• Marketing efforts are undermined. Free play promotions meant for loyal guests often end up benefiting advantage players, giving them even more incentive to return and bank-roll their play on these games.

Types of Persistence Games

Not all persistence games present the same level of risk, but understanding the differences is key:

• Short Cycle Persistence Games – These reset within a few spins, meaning the advantage potential is minimal.
• Long Cycle Persistence Games – These take hundreds or even thousands of spins to reach a profitable state, making them the primary target for advantage players.
• Must-Hit-By Progressives – As jackpots approach their must-hit thresholds, advantage players monitor and wait for optimal moments to step in.

How Advantage Players Operate

These players typically walk the floor scanning machines, monitoring game states, and sharing insights in online forums or chat groups. Many work in teams, with one person playing while others hold machines or rotate shifts to maintain control over favorable positions. It’s highly organized, and whether or not you’ve noticed it, it’s happening on your floor.

What Can Casinos Do About It?

Some of these games are among your best performers, so removing them outright may pose challenges if the senior management doesn’t understand what’s at stake. However, there are ways to manage the issue:

1. Identify the Players – Analyze your player database. Who has an unusually high win rate on these games? Who is playing persistently every day? Surveillance teams can help pinpoint patterns.
2. Engage with Manufacturers – Before installing new games, ask whether they have persistence mechanics. Understand how these mechanics might affect your floor.
3. Reposition the Games – Move these games away from high-traffic areas or premium machines to prevent advantage players from occupying key spaces.
4. Consider Removing Problematic Games – If a game is causing more harm than good, it will be worth taking it off the floor.

Final Thoughts

Not all persistence games are a problem, and many are enjoyed by regular players. But if left unmanaged, they create an imbalance where casual players lose disproportionately while advantage players capitalize. That’s not a sustainable model for your guests—or for your business in the long run. Think about how much more money you’ll have to spend on marketing efforts to bring the regular guest back in.

The key is to stay informed, monitor your floor, and ensure that advantage players don’t dictate how your slot operations function. By taking a proactive approach, you can protect the integrity of your gaming experience and maintain a fair and balanced casino environment.

If you missed our original webinar, Tangam partnered with CDC Gaming to present How Slot Advantage Players (APs) are Exploiting Your Casino, the most attended webinar in CDC Gaming’s history. This eye-opening session revealed how, in many instances, APs are walking away with hundreds of thousands of dollars every month—not necessarily at the casino’s expense, but at the cost of the everyday player’s experience. In the webinar, Ari breaks down how to identify slot advantage play, the steps operators can take to mitigate its impact, and long-term strategies to prevent it from disrupting the gaming floor.