What is a Jackpot Handpay? What to Expect When You Hit Big

The player is forced to wait to collect their money. They must sit at the machine without playing and then try to catch the attention of an attendant. The casino must devote limited resources to completing forms, collecting cash, and paying players.

There could be a change on the horizon, though. In mid-2024, the IRS Advisory Council proposed changing the reporting amount to $5,800. This makes sense when you consider that the $1,199+ figure has been around for around 50 years, having first been implemented in the 1970s.

$1,199 in the mid-1970s equates to around $6,000 today. Dollars don’t stretch as far as they once did, and while $1,200 is still a big win, it’s not as impressive as half a century ago.

Other Reasons That Handpays Are Used

Handpays aren’t just used for tax reasons, nor are they limited to the United States. There are several reasons why a casino may use handpays:

The Payout Exceeds the Machine’s Balance

The player must call for an attendant if the jackpot exceeds the machine’s pay. The machine usually has a “Service” or “Help” button they can use to do this.

Such outcomes are common on machines that pay in coins. The slot’s hopper can only hold so many coins, so if a fixed or progressive jackpot triggers, the player must request a handpay.

The Coin System is Jammed

A jam in the hopper means the player can’t collect their winnings. They can use a handpay to get the cash directly from the casino. The attendant will then ensure the machine is fixed.

The Ticketing System is Broken

Casinos that employ cashless ticketing systems use handpays when there are faults in the system. These usually occur because the printer malfunctions, the ticket can’t be printed, or the required information cannot be processed.

How are Jackpots Paid in Casinos?

Casinos always offer cash payouts for jackpots up to a certain amount (usually $25,000). Most amounts above this can be collected as an annuity or via a lump sum paid in cash or check.

If you win large amounts that would be impractical when paid in cash, you can pick up a check or ask the casino to wire you the money. You can also request a wire with smaller amounts if you’re uncomfortable carrying around cash.

Remember that you will likely be given tax paperwork to complete if you win large amounts in a US casino. However, the rules differ in many countries outside the US, as gambling winnings aren’t always taxed overseas.

Is There a Way to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Jackpot?

There are a few myths surrounding slots and their jackpots. We addressed some of them in our guide to the best time of month to play slot machines. Unfortunately, you can do nothing to increase your chances of success besides bumping up your stake.

All players at all stake levels can claim progressive slot jackpots, but the more you wager, the greater your chance. It’s like buying a lottery ticket—everyone has a chance, but the more tickets you buy, the more likely you are to win. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose, though, and remember that you still have a chance even when wagering the minimum stake.

You can also improve your chances by looking for high-RTP slots and waiting until the jackpot reaches a higher amount. Your odds will stay the same, but the payout increases, so it’s the same risk for a greater reward.

Summary: What is Jackpot Handpay?

A jackpot handpay is the money paid to the player by the casino. This situation occurs when the player wins $1,200 or more, meaning the casino will request their Social Security number and then hand over some tax forms before paying the player their winnings.

It can be frustrating, but on the plus side, it means you’ve just won at least $1,200, so keep smiling and start plotting a slot betting strategy as you plan your next big win.