It may look like a regular slot machine and play like one, but a video lottery terminal differs quite a bit in terms of how winners are determined.
VLTs are a lot similar to slot machines. In both, you pull a handle or press a button and reels spin. The graphics, symbols, and soundtracks could also be similar, leaving many to wonder whether.
- VLTs (video lottery terminals) and Class III slot machines differ in how they determine the results of their spins. Class III slot machines — the kind you find in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Tunica, for instance — have RNG functions in their programming, and they determine the results of their spins completely independently.
- VLT – Video Lottery Terminal VLT Multi Lottery Terminal – the VLT solution from AMATIC – NOVOMATIC – NETENT. VLT is a server-based gaming system designed to fit multiple operation scenarios, including specialized custom workflows and wide area online gaming processes.
VLT gaming machines are usually equated more with games like bingo, pull-tabs, scratch-offs, or lotto than they are with slot machines. This is because there are a pre-determined number of winners, and players are competing with each other for a prize rather than against the house. There is also not necessarily a winner in each game.
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Video Lottery Terminals (Class II machines)
VLTs are most often found in Indian gaming casinos or 'racinos' (location with both a horse racetrack, as well as a casino). Each machine or terminal in a casino is linked together, forcing players to compete against one another for the prize, and with a set number of wins and losses, the group of machines is preprogrammed to payout at specific times.
The only catch for VLT machines is that players must announce their win in order to get the payout because the games are interactive. Although not every game has a winner, the game will be ongoing until a winner is determined.
As indicated by the name, video lottery winners are determined much like a lottery scratch card. Basically, when a game starts on a VLT, the system the machines are connected to randomly chooses a 'scratch-off ticket' from those that remain. Once it receives the information regarding the winner, it sends the results to the VLT to reveal the winner, typically in some entertaining way.
Winning at VLT Machines
Obviously, the machine doesn't have the ability to actually scratch off a ticket, but it does choose the winner from a pool, similar to a lottery ticket. Once all the outcomes in a pool are chosen, the central system receives a new pool.
The payouts can be slightly different on VLTs, as well. According to readybetgo.com, 'The final results wouldn't be noticeably different if the RNG simply picked one number from a group of numbers. Thus the mathematic methods of supplying the decisions in VLTs may be radically different than traditional RNG methods. But in the end, 1 in 10 is still 1 in 10, and 1 in 5,000 is still 1 in 5,000.' The artible goes on to explain that the reason VLTs can be slightly tighter is that they're offered in areas where there is little competition. In fact, the typical payout is anywhere from 85% to 92%. So, if you're playing in a casino that offers both VLTs and traditional slots machines, you're probably better off with the latter.
Slot Machines (Class III)
Slot machines often referred to as 'Vegas-style' or traditional slots are the machines you're probably used to playing. Each traditional slot machine in a casino plays independently from other machines. The only way in which they are linked is usually in terms of the jackpot, but this is only for progressive networks.
Contrary to popular thought, there is no way to know if a certain machine is 'hot.' The typical belief is that if a machine has just paid out, you shouldn't play on it. This is simply not true. Because of the Random Number Generator, each machine has exactly the same likelihood of paying out. Unlike VLTs, slot machines are also not preprogrammed to pay out at any time, so you always have a chance at the jackpot!
When Do You Win?
To put players at ease who may have abandoned a machine in the past only to watch it pay out for the next player, you must understand that RNGs are programmed down to the millisecond, so the odds of winning if you had stayed are low. Because of this, the lever must be pulled at almost the exact time the winning number is generated.
Unlike VLTs, slot machine wins are immediate, and winners don't have to announce their win to receive a prize. Although, I wouldn't discourage any hooting and hollering if you've just landed a $10,000 jackpot. You earned it.
IMPORTANT UPDATE RE: COVID-19
In accordance with public health directives, Atlantic Lottery's video lottery operations (VLTs) began reactivation in those locations reopening under provincial economic recovery guidelines.
VLT operations will be suspended in any area where public health directives require restaurants and licensed establishments to temporarily close.
We're taking several steps to ensure the safety and comfort of our players, retailers and field staff as video lottery resumes, including:
Physical distancing
- VLTs will be adjusted to ensure physical distancing requirements are respected. Based on the capacity of specific sites, Atlantic Lottery will work with retailers to either increase space between terminals (where possible) or activate a limited number of terminals to ensure a minimum six-foot distance.
- Outline player areas on the floor and use arrows to identify traffic flow.
- Remove chairs from any non-operational terminals to reduce gathering of players.
- All public health directives regarding mask wearing must be followed while in the gaming area.
Enhanced disinfecting
- Atlantic Lottery employees will be on-site to clean and sanitize all terminals, chairs and other surfaces prior to resuming operations.
- VLTs and chairs will be further cleaned and disinfected after each use.
- Like all businesses, VLT locations will be required to pre-screen patrons before entering their locations.
- Atlantic Lottery provided all VLT sites with an initial supply of hand sanitizer for employees and players.
- Atlantic Lottery field staff will be equipped with appropriate PPE (masks and gloves), which must be worn while on-site and employees must sanitize hands prior to entering any VL location.
Communication and support
Vlt Slot Games
- Posters will be provided to be displayed on-site to educate players and patrons how to play safely, reminding to:
- Keep a six-foot distance
- Sanitize hands
- Only have one person at each VLT at a time
- Signage on VLTs indicating any inactive machines.
- Provide retailers with training and materials on how to properly clean and sanitize terminals.
- Providing ongoing information and support to video lottery operators through CCC and field staff.
The safety and wellbeing of Atlantic Lottery's players, retailers, field staff and the public at large is our singular priority. It will take approximately two weeks for all video lottery locations in each province to become operational as our field staff conduct training, deliver supplies and reactivate the terminals. This will also allow our field staff to work with each retailer to find the best solution for players and employees at their specific location.
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Video Lottery
Video Lottery provides an interactive, entertaining way to play games of chance and win small cash prizes. You can find Video Lottery terminals (VLTs) in licensed liquor establishments like restaurants and bars across Atlantic Canada.
The Video Lottery program in Atlantic Canada offers a variety of games, including reel games and keno. We add new games regularly to give players lots of choice.
Payout Percentages
The minimum regulated payout percentage in Atlantic Canada is 80%. This means that at minimum, 80% of all money played is returned to players in prizes, in varying amounts. The payout percentage is higher than the actual cash-out percentage because consumers play the prizes they win in order to extend their play.
Slot Machines (Class III)
Slot machines often referred to as 'Vegas-style' or traditional slots are the machines you're probably used to playing. Each traditional slot machine in a casino plays independently from other machines. The only way in which they are linked is usually in terms of the jackpot, but this is only for progressive networks.
Contrary to popular thought, there is no way to know if a certain machine is 'hot.' The typical belief is that if a machine has just paid out, you shouldn't play on it. This is simply not true. Because of the Random Number Generator, each machine has exactly the same likelihood of paying out. Unlike VLTs, slot machines are also not preprogrammed to pay out at any time, so you always have a chance at the jackpot!
When Do You Win?
To put players at ease who may have abandoned a machine in the past only to watch it pay out for the next player, you must understand that RNGs are programmed down to the millisecond, so the odds of winning if you had stayed are low. Because of this, the lever must be pulled at almost the exact time the winning number is generated.
Unlike VLTs, slot machine wins are immediate, and winners don't have to announce their win to receive a prize. Although, I wouldn't discourage any hooting and hollering if you've just landed a $10,000 jackpot. You earned it.
IMPORTANT UPDATE RE: COVID-19
In accordance with public health directives, Atlantic Lottery's video lottery operations (VLTs) began reactivation in those locations reopening under provincial economic recovery guidelines.
VLT operations will be suspended in any area where public health directives require restaurants and licensed establishments to temporarily close.
We're taking several steps to ensure the safety and comfort of our players, retailers and field staff as video lottery resumes, including:
Physical distancing
- VLTs will be adjusted to ensure physical distancing requirements are respected. Based on the capacity of specific sites, Atlantic Lottery will work with retailers to either increase space between terminals (where possible) or activate a limited number of terminals to ensure a minimum six-foot distance.
- Outline player areas on the floor and use arrows to identify traffic flow.
- Remove chairs from any non-operational terminals to reduce gathering of players.
- All public health directives regarding mask wearing must be followed while in the gaming area.
Enhanced disinfecting
- Atlantic Lottery employees will be on-site to clean and sanitize all terminals, chairs and other surfaces prior to resuming operations.
- VLTs and chairs will be further cleaned and disinfected after each use.
- Like all businesses, VLT locations will be required to pre-screen patrons before entering their locations.
- Atlantic Lottery provided all VLT sites with an initial supply of hand sanitizer for employees and players.
- Atlantic Lottery field staff will be equipped with appropriate PPE (masks and gloves), which must be worn while on-site and employees must sanitize hands prior to entering any VL location.
Communication and support
Vlt Slot Games
- Posters will be provided to be displayed on-site to educate players and patrons how to play safely, reminding to:
- Keep a six-foot distance
- Sanitize hands
- Only have one person at each VLT at a time
- Signage on VLTs indicating any inactive machines.
- Provide retailers with training and materials on how to properly clean and sanitize terminals.
- Providing ongoing information and support to video lottery operators through CCC and field staff.
The safety and wellbeing of Atlantic Lottery's players, retailers, field staff and the public at large is our singular priority. It will take approximately two weeks for all video lottery locations in each province to become operational as our field staff conduct training, deliver supplies and reactivate the terminals. This will also allow our field staff to work with each retailer to find the best solution for players and employees at their specific location.
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Video Lottery
Video Lottery provides an interactive, entertaining way to play games of chance and win small cash prizes. You can find Video Lottery terminals (VLTs) in licensed liquor establishments like restaurants and bars across Atlantic Canada.
The Video Lottery program in Atlantic Canada offers a variety of games, including reel games and keno. We add new games regularly to give players lots of choice.
Payout Percentages
The minimum regulated payout percentage in Atlantic Canada is 80%. This means that at minimum, 80% of all money played is returned to players in prizes, in varying amounts. The payout percentage is higher than the actual cash-out percentage because consumers play the prizes they win in order to extend their play.
Games and Payout Percentages
Games are added regularly, so be sure to check back for updates.
Responsible VLT Gambling
Atlantic Lottery takes many steps to ensure a responsible gambling environment. For instance:
- Responsible gambling training is provided to all VLT operators.
- Several features are available on VLTs to help manage responsible play, including ‘time played' reminders, mandatory cash-out at 150 minutes of play, displaying cash not credits, maximum bets and cash-in limits and more.
- Voluntary features are available in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island. These include the ability to set money spent limits, track historical money and time played, self-assessment tools and responsible gambling tutorials.
Where do I Find Video Lottery?
Please call 1-800-561-3942 to find out which Video Lottery locations are nearest to you.
You may notice some changes when playing Video Lottery
Contact Us
Email us Info@alc.ca
Call us:
Mon to Fri | 7am to 12am
Sat/Sun | 8am to 12am
For account inquiries or registration assistance: 1-877-252-3287.
For all other inquiries 1-800.-561-3942.
You can also use our online form at any time.
Head Office
PO Box 5500, 922 Main
Moncton, NB E1C 8W6
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Nova Scotia Office
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Halifax NS, B3J 0G2
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Sun – closed
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Newfoundland and Labrador Office
30 Hallett Crescent
St. John's, NL, A1B 4C5
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