Ainsworth (Mustang Money, Thunder Cash, etc.) • AP Reference
Progressive MUST hit before max. Higher meter = fewer spins to guaranteed payout. Calculate if EV is positive.
Higher meter = Less coin-in = Better EV
Calculate meter rate first ($ to move meter $1)
Bankroll needed can be HUGE — know max loss
Jackpot starts at floor ($9,000) and MUST hit by ceiling ($10,000).
Meter rises on coin-in. Typical: $250-$667 in = $1 meter rise.
Hits at random point between current and ceiling (uniform for Ainsworth).
If expected return > expected cost, you have +EV!
Penny: Minor $20-$50, Major $350-$400
Dollar: Minor $350-$500, Major $9,000-$10,000
💡 Games: Mustang Money, Thunder Cash, Ming Warrior, Rumble Rumble
⚠️ Example: Loss $10,005 > JP $9,950 = NEGATIVE EV!
$9,900: Usually still -EV
$9,950: Getting closer
$9,980+: Usually +EV territory
⚠️ EVERY machine differs! Calculate actual meter rate.
Major: $667 coin-in = $1 rise
Minor: $250 coin-in = $1 rise
Some newer: $667 / $222
⚠️ Seen $2,000/$667 rates. ALWAYS verify!
Calculate: Worst-case = meter goes to ceiling
Major ($10K): Budget $30,000-$50,000
Minor ($500): Budget $2,000-$5,000
⚠️ Horror stories: $35K+ lost on majors. Have bankroll or DON'T PLAY.
AGS (River Dragons): Almost ALWAYS hits near ceiling — AVOID!
Don't chase early: Starting at $9,580 = potential disaster
Casino closes? You lose the machine overnight
Variance brutal: Can lose 50%+ before hitting
$10K at $9,980+: Worth calculating
$500 at $490+: Worth calculating
$10K at $9,500: Almost never +EV
AGS machines: SKIP entirely