Published on: June 25, 2026, 07:11h. 

Updated on: June 25, 2026, 07:11h.

• The California Hotel & Casino has officially phased out its final coin-operated video poker machines, transitioning to advanced ticket-in/ticket-out technology
• Only approximately 140 coin-operated gaming devices remain throughout the Las Vegas Valley, making up a minuscule portion of all gaming machines
• Some classic coin slots remain available at select venues, such as the El Cortez, Slots-A-Fun, Skyline, and Golden Gate

The nostalgic sound of clinking coins has faded further into Las Vegas’ history with the California Hotel & Casino’s discreet removal of its last coin-operated video poker devices earlier this month. According to gaming analyst John Mehaffey from vegasadvantage.com, this change leaves only around 140 coin-operated gambling machines across the entire Las Vegas Valley.

The decommissioned machines were the last on the casino floor to still take physical coins, as Mehaffey noted. They have been replaced with contemporary ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) machines that allow for bets of 25 cents, 50 cents, and $1 — while maintaining the favorable full-pay “Jacks or Better” payouts.

Once the reigning form of slot and video poker entertainment in casinos, coin machines represented the lively atmosphere of the classic Vegas experience. They were noisy, messy, and contributed to a unique sensory landscape that is now largely absent.

These machines also require significant labor, needing meticulous coin counting, dedicated staff, and specialized maintenance knowledge that is declining as technicians retire. In contrast, TITO machines eliminate issues such as coin jams, runouts, and the necessity for graveyard staff to transport hefty buckets across the gaming floor.

For many long-time enthusiasts, this transformation is bittersweet, yet nostalgia alone doesn’t cover operational costs.

“They just need Vegas Matt to play some coin machines, and then everyone will want to try them,” joked Mark Ostermann, co-host of the Miles to Memories Vegas, referring to a YouTuber whose content has occasionally sparked renewed interest in vintage or niche games.

The remaining coin-operated machines account for a mere fraction — significantly less than 0.1% — of all gaming devices in Clark County, a negligible statistic in a city now dominated by digital reels and loyalty card systems.

Where to Find Coin Slots

• El Cortez, downtown: This location boasts the largest collection of coin machines, featuring a mix of vintage reel slots and video poker options.
• Slots-A-Fun, Circus Circus: A group of coin-operated slots can be found near the entrance of this small casino, which was independently operated until it was acquired by Circus Circus Enterprises in 1979.
• The Skyline, Henderson: This quaint casino on Boulder Highway maintains a selection of classic reel slots.
• The Golden Gate, downtown: Known as Las Vegas’ oldest continuously operational hotel, this venue recently expanded its offerings to include one of the last operational Sigma Derby mechanical horse-racing games, which was ceremoniously moved from its sister property, The D, on June 19.

The dwindling availability of coin machines has fostered a niche yet passionate subculture of players eager to experience the tactile pleasure — the satisfying sound of coins falling into the tray, the act of inserting coins, and the leisurely pace of play.