How VLTs work

Every VLT outcome is random. The machine decides when you press play, and nothing you do changes it²².

Randomness

In Manitoba each spin, including progressives, is decided by a Random Number Generator chip, independent of past spins and of the bet size¹. Saskatchewan says nobody can predict what comes next², and Quebec bars are told not to say a terminal is "about to pay out"³.

VLTs are not programmed never to pay, but the odds favour the house⁴.

Cash in

Saskatchewan takes one bill of up to $100 at a time⁵. Manitoba stops accepting cash once the balance is above $100⁶, Alberta above $250⁷, and Atlantic Lottery terminals once the bank reaches $60⁸.

No province lets the venue give you credit to play: see Alberta⁹, Manitoba¹⁰, Quebec¹¹ and Atlantic Lottery¹².

Cash out

In Alberta and Manitoba a $1,250 cash-out ticket is printed when the balance reaches $1,250 or more¹³⁶. Saskatchewan forces a cash-out at $1,750⁵, and Atlantic Lottery at $1,000¹⁴.

Tickets expire: 30 days in Alberta¹⁵, 120 days in Saskatchewan¹⁶, 180 days in Manitoba¹⁷ and 365 days with Atlantic Lottery¹⁸.

Time limits

Alberta and Manitoba make you pick a session time limit, and the terminal cashes out after the second session¹⁹²⁰. Saskatchewan sessions run up to 60 minutes with one extension²¹. Atlantic Lottery reminds you at 60, 90, 120 and 145 minutes and cashes out after 150 minutes of continuous play¹⁴.