That spinning reel in the corner of your local pub or VFW hall? There's a good chance it's an IGT S+ slot machine. These cabinets have been the workhorses of the American gaming floor for decades. But when one breaks down - or when you find a used one listed online for a few hundred bucks - you might wonder if it's worth the hassle. Owners love them for their mechanical reliability, but they hate them for the error codes that pop up at the worst possible moment. Let's cut through the nostalgia and talk about what owning, fixing, and playing an IGT S+ actually looks like.
Why the IGT S+ Became the Industry Standard
International Game Technology (IGT) released the S+ platform as a follow-up to the wildly popular S-model, and they essentially hit a home run for casino operators. The secret wasn't flashy graphics - it was modularity. The machine separated the mechanical reel assembly from the main logic board, meaning technicians could swap parts without gutting the entire cabinet.
Casinos loved them because they were built like tanks. The stepper motors that physically spin the reels are strong, and the bill validators (usually JCM or MEI) were standardized. You could walk into a casino in Atlantic City or a tribal gaming hall in Oklahoma and find banks of these machines running for years with minimal downtime. That reliability is exactly why thousands of them have filtered out onto the secondary market. They don't die; they just get retired when casinos upgrade to video screens.
Common IGT S+ Error Codes and Repairs
If you own an S+, you will see error codes. That's not a threat; it's a promise. The good news is that the two-digit display on the front panel is your best diagnostic tool. Unlike modern machines that hide behind complex software menus, the S+ tells you exactly what's wrong.
The most frequent culprit is Error 12, which indicates a low battery on the processor board. This happens if the machine has been unplugged for a while. You'll need to replace the 3.6-volt lithium battery on the MPU board - a $5 fix, but one that requires soldering or a battery holder modification. Error 32 usually points to a coin-out jam. The optic sensor in the hopper gets dusty or misaligned, and the machine thinks a coin is stuck when it isn't. A can of compressed air often solves this instantly.
Then there are the reel errors. If the machine shows a tilt and the reels aren't stopping where they should, check the "optic wands" attached to the reel basket. These tiny sensors read the position of the reels. If one is loose or broken, the machine has no idea where the symbols are landing. It's a mechanical failure, not a software glitch.
Understanding the S+ Key Chip and Game Configuration
Here is where things get interesting for owners who want to change how the game plays. The IGT S+ isn't hard-coded to one specific paytable. The personality of the game - its payback percentage, the symbols, and the bonus features - is stored on a chip inside the glass reel strip. But the rules, the odds, and the denominations are controlled by the Key Chip and the SP chip on the motherboard.
If you want to change your machine from a dollar denomination to a quarter, you need to swap the appropriate chip set. However, this isn't as simple as popping in a new cartridge. You need specific chips that match your reel strip layout, or the game will error out. Forums are full of stories from people who bought a "conversion kit" online only to realize the chip they bought doesn't match their Double Diamond reel glass. Always verify the game theme matches the chip revision before buying.
Furthermore, entering the diagnostic mode requires a specific key sequence, usually involving the Jackpot Reset key. This allows operators to adjust the payback percentage - typically ranging from 85% to 98%. Home owners often hunt for "loose" chip sets that offer the higher payback percentages for a more entertaining experience at home.
Buying a Used IGT S+ for Home Use
Finding an IGT S+ for sale is easy; finding one that isn't a headache is harder. Prices fluctuate wildly based on the game theme. A generic theme might sell for $400, while a popular title like "Five Times Pay" or "Red, White, and Blue" can command over $1,000.
Before you hand over cash, check the lockouts. These machines were often sold in states where they were legal as "amusement only" devices, meaning the coin comparators were disabled. If you want a fully functional machine that takes coins, you may need to source a new coin mech. Also, inspect the bill validator head. If it's missing, replacing it can cost another $100 to $200.
Shipping is the real killer. These cabinets weigh between 200 and 250 pounds. Freight shipping isn't cheap, and sellers often skimp on packaging. If you see a listing for local pickup only, that's often a sign the seller knows shipping it safely is a nightmare. If you must ship it, insist on a palletized delivery with the glass reel strip removed and packed separately - otherwise, you'll receive a pile of broken glass and twisted metal.
Legal Considerations for Private Ownership
Just because you can buy a slot machine on eBay doesn't mean you can legally keep it in your living room. Laws in the United States are a patchwork of contradictions. In states like Nevada, owning a slot machine is perfectly legal for personal use. In Alaska and Minnesota, you can own one regardless of age. But in states like Alabama, Hawaii, and South Carolina, private ownership of a gambling device is a felony.
Most other states fall into a gray area: you can own the machine, but it must be a certain age (usually 25 years or older) to be considered an "antique" rather than a gambling device. The IGT S+ platform was produced from the late 1980s through the early 2000s, so many of them now qualify as antiques in restrictive states like California, Florida, and New York. Always check your local statutes before purchasing - not just state law, but city and county ordinances too. What's legal in rural county might be illegal in the city limits just ten miles away.
Comparison of Popular IGT S+ Game Themes
Not all S+ games are created equal. The gameplay math differs significantly between titles. Below is a quick comparison of the most sought-after themes for home collectors.
| Game Theme | Volatility | Max Payout (per coin) | Collector Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Diamond | Low-Medium | 2,500 credits | Easy (Common) |
| Five Times Pay | High | 15,000 credits | Hard (Expensive) |
| Red, White, and Blue | Medium | 10,000 credits | Moderate |
| Wild Cherry | Low | 5,000 credits | Easy |
Modern Alternatives: Are S+ Machines Obsolete?
While the IGT S+ remains a collector favorite, players looking for that classic mechanical feel online often struggle to find equivalents. Modern online casinos focus heavily on video slots. However, some platforms still host digital versions of these classic titles. BetMGM and DraftKings Casino, for example, often feature "Double Diamond" or "Triple Diamond" in their game libraries. These are faithful digital recreations of the exact math used in the physical S+ cabinets.
For players who miss the physical act of pulling the arm and hearing the clunk of the reels stopping, the S+ remains the only authentic experience. Newer "video reel" machines in casinos mimic the look but lack the mechanical soul. The S+ isn't obsolete; it's just niche. It belongs to a generation of players who value the tactile experience over animated bonus rounds.
FAQ
How do I reset the error code on my IGT S+ slot machine?
Most error codes can be cleared by turning the reset key switch located on the side of the cabinet or inside the main door. Turn the key to the "reset" position, wait a few seconds, and turn it back. If the error persists, you have a hardware issue, not a glitch.
Can I convert my IGT S+ to take tokens instead of coins?
Yes, but it requires changing the coin comparator and the coin head spacing. You'll need a token-specific mech set to the correct diameter and thickness. Many home owners do this to avoid using real currency.
Why does my slot machine keep saying "Call Attendant"?
This usually indicates a hopper issue, often a coin jam or an empty hopper when the machine tries to pay out a win. Open the main door, clear any stuck coins in the payout chute, and ensure the hopper has enough coins to pay the current win.
Are parts still available for IGT S+ machines?
Yes. Because so many of these machines were produced, there is a strong secondary market for parts. Reel motors, power supplies, and button decks are widely available on eBay and specialty slot machine parts retailers.
Can I change the payback percentage on an S+ slot?
Yes, the payback percentage is determined by the game chip (EPROM) on the MPU board. You can change it by replacing the chip with a different revision that offers a higher or lower theoretical return, provided you have the correct reset key sequence to initialize the new chip.
