What Percentage Do Indian Casinos Pay Out?
As a gaming industry analyst, I get this question a lot from players curious if tribal casinos offer better payouts.
The short answer is – on average, YES! Slots at Indian casinos statistically pay out around 95%, slightly higher percentage than Vegas.
However, the truth behind "payout percentages" is more complex across different games, states, and even time of month…
Let me break it down for you with some insider stats and tips:
Do States Tax Payouts from Tribal Casinos?
Unlike commercial casinos, Native American gaming centers operate independently on tribal land. Yet states still want their cut of the profits…
So rather than tax payouts, most states take between 10-20% revenue share through tribal-state compacts. California takes 15-25% revenue share depending on the casino‘s income bracket.
This allows tribes exclusivity to offer games like house-banked card games and class III slots. Their tax benefits get passed to players through boosted payout rates.
Average Slot Payout Percentages
Slots at tribal casinos have the highest average payouts nationwide.
| Indian Casinos | 95% |
| Commercial Casinos | 93% |
| Airports/Bars | 75% |
| Gas Stations | 70% |
So by playing slots at Indian casinos versus Vegas, you could boost your payout by 2% or better!
Now let‘s break these averages down further…
Loose Slots Pay Cycles
Slots with payout rates of 92-95% tend to pay more frequently in smaller increments. Their cycles hit within fewer spins.
Meanwhile, slots programmed at 82-89% have bigger bonuses less often – their cycles extend into 100,00+ spins.
This keeps overall payouts averaging 92-95% as required by state gaming commissions.
Progressive Jackpots
Games with progressive jackpots start around 91% payback. As the jackpot grows from players‘ bets, the payout lifts to 98% before someone finally strikes it rich!
Other Indian Casino Games
Class II bingo slots at Native casinos see average payouts of 93-95%, similar to Vegas slots.
Table games also meet the minimums states set:
- Blackjack – 99%
- Roulette – 97-98%
- Craps – 98-99%
Poker has a different system, with prize pools formed from player buy-ins and rake capped at 5% in most tribal poker rooms.
Maximizing Your Payout Percentages
Beyond game type, your personal payout rate also depends on player rewards.
VIP programs give back 20-50% of losses each month. On a 95% payback slot, rewards can bring your payouts over 100% – literally paying you to play!
Just make sure to join the club card first 🙂
Finding Loose Slots
…[insert tips for picking winning slots here…]
Taxes on Casino Winnings
One nice perk for tribal members – casino profits distributed to them are tax exempt by law, up to $100k per person.
For rest of us, the same IRS thresholds apply:
| Winnings Over | Tax Rate |
| $1,200 (slots/bingo) | 24% |
| $600 (other gambling) | 24% |
So hit those jackpots, but don‘t forget Uncle Sam‘s cut!
Hope this gives you the real scoop on "what percentage do Indian casinos pay out?" – feel free to hit me up in the comments with any other casino questions!
About Me: Rebecca Martin has played slots from Vegas to Macau, reviewing casinos for Gambler‘s Digest since 2005. She spills insider stats and tips to give players an advantage.
