Class II slot machines are a specific category of gaming devices primarily found in Native American casinos in the United States, as well as in other jurisdictions with similar regulatory frameworks. Unlike Class III slots, which are based on random number generators （RNGs） and are games of pure chance, Class II machines are linked together in a wide-area progressive network and operate more like electronic bingo games.
The fundamental principle behind a Class II slot machine is that players are essentially competing against each other for a shared prize pool, rather than playing independently against the house. When you press the spin button on a Class II machine, you are not triggering an independent random event. Instead, you are purchasing a bingo card for a game that is happening simultaneously with all other players on the network. The outcome of your spin is determined by the result of that central bingo game.
Visually, Class II slots often look identical to Class III slots. They have reels, paylines, and bonus features. However, the underlying technology and legal classification are different. This distinction is crucial for casinos operating under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act （IGRA）, which defines the types of games permitted on tribal lands.
For the player, the experience is very similar. The key difference you might notice is the presence of a bingo card displayed somewhere on the screen, often in a corner or revealed after a spin. The outcome of the slot reels is mapped to the result of the bingo game. If your bingo card achieves a specific pattern, the slot machine will display a corresponding winning combination on the reels. |
