Class II slots are a specific type of gaming device usually found in Native American casinos and are distinct from Class III slot machines, which are more commonly seen in commercial casinos.
Class II gaming is defined under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) as games of chance commonly known as bingo. This includes electronic versions of bingo and other similar games such as pull tabs and punch boards, provided they are played in conjunction with bingo. The act allows tribal casinos to offer these games without needing the same level of regulation as Class III gaming that standard Las Vegas-style slot machines usually need to have.
Appearance-wise, Class II slots provide the same look and experience as traditional slot machines but operate on a different principle. When a player spins the reels, they are effectively participating in a multiplayer bingo game. The outcome is determined by a central bingo server that draws numbers, which then translates into potential winning combinations on the slot machine.
Class II slot machines integrate elements of traditional bingo into a slot machine format. They are fundamentally based on bingo. The game begins when at least two players are present. Then, players press the spin button to generate a unique bingo card linked to potential winning patterns. The central server draws numbers approximately once per second, checking them against each player’s card to identify completed patterns.
When a player achieves a winning pattern, the machine’s reels stop to reflect that win, similar to traditional slot outcomes. Multiple winning patterns are available, such as lines or full cards, and after each draw, the machine evaluates all patterns to determine wins. Players compete for a potential shared prize pool funded by their collective bets, with payouts varying based on the number of players and their wagers, rather than being determined solely by individual contributions.
The difference compared to Class II slits is in their underlying mechanics and regulatory requirements. While Class III slots use a random number generator to determine the outcome of each spin independently, Class II slots are based on a bingo game system.
In Class II machines, the results are determined by a central bingo server, and players compete against each other rather than the house. This means that the spinning reels on a Class II machine are merely a graphical representation of the bingo game’s outcome. Additionally, Class II gaming is regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and does not require a state compact, unlike Class III gaming, which often involves more stringent state regulations.
