Slot machines are the most popular gambling game in the casino. The casinos must love this because slot machines also provide the worst odds to the players. This post looks at how slot machines work.
I go into a lot of detail about how slot machines work, but I focus mostly on the nuts and bolts behind the game. Why are the odds of winning at slot machines so low? How did they become so popular? Why are these games more addictive than any other gambling game?
You’ll find the answers to all those questions and more in the post below.
The only way to improve your slot machine odds in the long term is to pick a good slot machine and play only money you can afford to lose. Based on their RTP alone, the 12 best slot machines to.
- Of course, you should keep in mind that only the best slot sites to win offer high payout games from which you can take advantage. The return to player percentage of a game is measured over thousands.
- This means that the next time you play a slot machine make sure you select the most amount of pay lines possible. It makes sense that you would win more when playing a slot machine if you have more chances. Pick Slot Machines That Are Fun to You When it comes winning at slot machines the best tip is to pick slot machines that are fun to you.
1. What Is a Slot Machine?
A slot machine is a gambling game with spinning reels. Most slot machine games have 3 spinning reels or 5 spinning reels. Each reel has multiple symbols on it.
The spinning reels stop at random, and if matching symbols line up across a pay line, the gambler wins prize money. Early slot machines had a single payline across the center of the reels. Newer slot machines have multiple pay lines of different shapes.
Slot machines come in various denominations. When you put your money into the machine, the game converts that money into credits. For example, if you’re playing a $1 slot machine and insert $100 into the machine, you get 100 credits. Payouts are handled in terms of credits.
These are deceptively simple games that provide the potential for larger prizes than most other gambling games on the casino floor. Gamblers pay for that large prize potential, though.
What Are Your Chances Of Winning On A Slot Machines
2. Spinning Reels and Random Number Generators
Understanding how slot machines work requires an understanding of some basic math.
But first, let’s talk about how the results are determined.
Early slot machines were mechanical. They used springs to spin the reels, which were huge metal hoops inside the machine. They stopped at random. The odds of getting any specific symbol on a stop on such a machine were the same regardless of which symbol it was.
But over the last three or four decades, slot machines have become more complicated. The spinning reels are just for show. In fact, on most slot machine games, you don’t even really have spinning reels. You’re just watching an animation of what looks like spinning reels.
These machines use a different method of determining results. They’re run by a computer program called a random number generator (RNG). This computer program cycles through numbers at a rate of thousands of numbers per second. When you pull the lever (or press the spin button), the computer stops at whatever number it’s thinking about at that moment.
That number determines the combination of symbols you see on the screen and the amount of your prize money.
You’ll see some so-called slot machine experts claim that you can predict what’s going to happen next on a slot machine because a random number generator, by nature, runs in cycles. That might be true if the cycles were slower. But when a random number generator is running through thousands of numbers per second, cycles no longer matter.
These random number generators also allow slot machine manufacturers to attach different probabilities to different symbols. By doing so, they can afford to offer much larger payouts.
To understand why that’s so, you need to understand some facts about pay tables and payback percentages.
3. Pay Tables, Payback Percentages, and the House Edge
The pay table on a slot machine is a list of the potential prizes and which combinations of symbols trigger those prizes.
Here’s a simple example of a slot machine pay table:
The payback percentage is a theoretical amount that the casino expects to pay back to the player on every bet. It’s expressed as a percentage, and it’s a long-term mathematical expectation.
Here’s an example:
A slot machine game is said to have a payback percentage of 94%. This means the casino expects to pay out an average of 94 cents every time you wager a dollar.
In the short run, this is practically impossible. In fact, if that’s how it worked in the short term, no one would every play slot machines at all.
But in the long run, if you average all the wins and all the losses and look at the average loss per dollar wagered, this game will come close to its theoretical return.
Most players spin the reels 600 times per hour or more. If you’re betting $3 per spin, that’s $1800 per hour in action. After a single hour, you might be up a few hundred dollars or down a few hundred dollars.
But over thousands of hours, you’ll usually see results that come close to the expectation. The casino works in the long run automatically, because they’re running hundreds of games 24/7.
The casino doesn’t mind if you walk away a winner now and then. They know you’ll eventually lose all your money back if you keep playing.
Here’s how the math works:
Suppose each symbol as a 1/10 chance of showing up. To get 3 of them on the same payline, you have a 1/10 X 1/10 X 1/10 = 1/1000 chance of hitting that combination.
In the pay table above, the expected value of each of those combinations can be calculated by multiplying the payoff by the probability of winning.
Add all those expected values together, and you have the payback percentage for the machine.
Here’s what that looks like:
Modern slot machines rarely have the same probability for each symbol, though. With computers and random number generators, slot machine designers can adjust the probability for each symbol. Obviously, this makes larger jackpots possible.
Here’s an example:
Suppose you set the probability of getting the game logo on our example game to 1/20 instead of 1/10.
The probability of getting that jackpot is now 1/20 X 1/20 X 1/20 = 1/8000.
You could offer a jackpot of 2880 coins and have the same 94% payback percentage for the game. (I multiplied the 360 jackpot by 8 since that’s how much less likely it is to hit that jackpot.)
This accomplishes a couple of things for the casinos and the game manufacturers:
- It allows them to offer larger jackpots.
- It allows them to obscure the actual payback percentage for the game.
Point #2 is important.
Slot machines are the only games in the casino where a mathematician can’t calculate the house edge for the game. They just don’t have enough data to work the math problem.
You must know both the probability of winning and the payout when you win to make this calculation.
4. How Progressive Jackpots Work
You’ve probably seen slot machine games with huge jackpots that seem to constantly be growing. These are progressive jackpot games, and they work slightly differently than a standard slot machine game.
The first way they’re different is because of their constantly growing jackpot. Standard slot machine games have a flat amount for their top prize. These are called flat top machines.
But a progressive slot machine takes a tiny percentage of each of your bets and adds it to the jackpot. This has the effect of reducing the payback percentage for the machine while also growing it.
You lose the amount that’s being added to the jackpot.
But you also gain a higher expected value based on the possibility of winning that jackpot.
If you think this couldn’t possibly be an equitable trade, you’d be right.
Let’s assume that the game takes a penny from each dollar you wager and adds it to the jackpot. That costs you 1%.
But the odds of hitting that jackpot are at least 1 in 1000. It would take 2 hours of playing before the increase in the jackpot amounted to a higher payback percentage for the machine.
And most progressive jackpots are far larger than this and have much lower odds of winning. Some of these games have jackpots over $10 million. The probability of winning such a jackpot resembles the probability of winning the lottery.
In other words, you’re more likely to be struck by lightning.
Literally.
My advice is to skip progressive slots games unless you enjoy dreaming about that life-changing jackpot. Even if you ignore my advice and play progressives anyway, try to limit the amount of time you spend on them. They will cause you to lose money at an absurd rate.
You’ll see 3 kinds of progressive slot machine games, by the way:
The first kind is a standalone progressive. Only the bets made on that machine increase the size of its jackpot.
The second kind is a local area network. Only bets made in the networked machines in that casino increase the size of the jackpot. If the jackpot is won on any of those machines, the jackpot on all those machines resets to its starting number.
The third kind is a wide area progressive. These games are networked through multiple casinos. Megabucks is the most famous example of this kind of game. The top prize for this game starts at $10 million and grows until it’s hit. Some players have won over $50 million on Megabucks.
5. Bonus Games and Fancy Slot Machine Features
Modern slot machines have lots of fancy features besides progressive jackpots. I explain a few of these features below:
Bonus games are games that offer bonus prizes and are activated by certain combinations of symbols. The most famous example of a bonus game on a slot machine is the Wheel of Fortune spin on Wheel of Fortune slots.
Wild symbols work just like wild cards in a poker game. They stand in for a symbol you might need to make a winning combination.
Scatter symbols are symbols which can appear anywhere on the screen and trigger payouts, even when they’re not on the pay line.
Here’s the thing to remember about all these fancy features:
The game pays for them by reducing the payback percentage for the player.
If you want to maximize your odds of winning, your best bet is to find the most boring slot machine in the casino—the one with the fewest features.
6. The Skinner Box and Randomized Rewards
Slot machines are probably the most addictive form of gambling in any casino. This is by design.
The behavioral scientist BF Skinner did an experiment with rats and cheese. He created a box with a lever on it. If the rats pulled the lever, they got cheese. Naturally, the rats were motivated to pull the lever.
Skinner went on to create a new box which only provided cheese some of the time when the rats pulled the lever. He discovered that when he added the random possibility of a reward, the rats were MORE motivated to pull the lever than they were when they had a 100% chance of getting a reward.
That’s exactly how slot machines work.
Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and—if you play long enough—you’ll always be a net loser in the long run.
But the brain triggers endorphins every time you win—even if the amount you win is less than the amount you bet.
And slot machines don’t return your original bet with your winnings like table games do. That’s why we say a blackjack bet pays off at 3 to 2 instead of saying it pays off at 3 for 2.
If you bet $1 on a slot machine game and win 95 cents, you’ve lost 5 cents on that bet.
But your brain doesn’t recognize the net loss.
It triggers the same endorphins as a win of $2 would.
For people with impulse control problems, playing slots is a bad idea.
7. How Online Slot Machines Work
Online slot machines work essentially the same as slot machines in a casino. Since all casino slot machines are now powered by random number generator software, the slots in online casinos are almost identical to the slots in a traditional casino.
The big difference is that online casinos have much lower overhead. As a result, most online casinos offer higher payback percentages than their land-based cousins. This isn’t 100% true across the board—some online casinos have lousy payback percentages.
But if I had to choose between playing an online slot machine game at an online casino or playing a traditional slot machine at the Las Vegas airport, I’d go with the online game almost every time.
You’ll also find many unique slots games at online casinos that aren’t available in traditional casinos. Some of these games are fun and cute. Others are evocative of games you’re used to in Vegas.
Either way, the math and technology behind online slot machines are basically the same as in Las Vegas.
Conclusion
How slot machines work isn’t a big mystery. They’ve been around for over 100 years, and the technology has changed.
But they’re still the same game our grandmothers played. Like all gambling games in the casino, they have an unassailable mathematical edge.
The difference is that you win bigger jackpots on a slot machine than you can on any other game. The best you can do at the blackjack table is 3 to 2. At a roulette table, the biggest prize is 35 to 1.
It’s easy to find slots where you can win 100 for 1 or 1000 for 1 or more.
If you like playing for big jackpots, slot machines are the game to play.
Playing on a slot machine can be tricky business. If you are in the initial stages of the game or a novice then you might need time to get familiar with the machine.
It is sometimes hard to decipher how to win on slot machines every time. This article can help you in finding a winning slot machine.
Every gambler looks for ways to trick casinos so that they can make the most on slot machines.
One of the toughest parts is to listen to the advice and sit through the good and bad. A number of casinos remain open to entertaining people. Many people are now pro at gambling and know tricks to win at slot.
You may have a plethora of options when it comes to choosing a casino. These top 7 qualities should help you in finding the best casino.
Before we go any further, you need to learn about the slot machine.
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What is a Slot Machine?
Having three or more spinning reels, slot machines are gambling games. The reels have symbols that spin and randomly form a combination once a player has placed a bet.
When numbers are lined up in a sequence, it determines wins. These are called pay lines. An amount is then given according to the wager.
Useful Casino Tips to Win Slots
How to win at slots can sometimes be tricky. One of the tips that must be followed is to spend a substantial amount of time in order to get to know the machine and its pattern.
The question, however, remains how much time to spend at slot machines?
Keep reading to find some useful tips to win slots.
1. Highest Payouts Slot Machine
One of the mistakes that beginners make when they go online to win money is choosing the wrong slot machine. This might seem obvious but many tend to overlook it.
If you want to learn how to win on slot machines every time then you must choose the one that pays higher than other machines.
Return to the player that is RTP should be higher.
In order to find RTP, the easiest option would be searching for it online. Many websites are reviewing casino games and you can find one.
2. Volatility of Slots
Volatility is an important factor when you have to pick a winning slot machine. This is also referred to as variance and or risk level.
It determines the level of risk that is involved while playing for real money. This also determines your winning probability.
If volatility is low then it means that you will win frequently. With high volatility, the wins are rare but they will be bigger than the low ones.
Slots that have high volatility are often exposed to risks as you are unable to determine the lucky spin to win money.
If you have not found a way how to tell if a slot machine is ready to pay then do not jump to a hasty decision. Spending all the money on gambling is not a good idea. These 10 tips can help you to avoid spending all your money gambling.
3. Disregard the Obvious Option
Online gambling is becoming a serious phenomenon that has made its strong presence recently. Online gambling is another way how to win at slots. There is a myth that is associated with online gambling which requires one to increase stakes to win the jackpot.
The truth of this myth can be determined here.
No matter how impressive an online casino is, they still are after your money. There are all legal and legit but you need to know how to tell if a slot machine is ready to pay.
You need to dig deeper in order to reach the winning slot. For this, you need to consider the slots that are not promoted. Check the ones that are on the third or fourth page.
4. Go for Smallest Jackpots
In order to have the best chances to win the slots choose the smallest jackpots. The smaller is the jackpot, the higher the chances would be to win the game.
It takes so much time to create huge jackpots and as a result, you lose. This is the reason that you should stick to the smaller returns.
5. Do not go for Video Reels
Slot machines with video reels might look impressive but they pay less than the normal machines.
There is a reason why such slot machines pay less. Videos take long to display and while this is going on, the casino is not making money. This is the reason that such a slot machine is designed in a way that takes the money from players who are playing.
This is the reason that you should stay in the classic slot machine in order to get a big return.
6. Trust the Feedback/Other Players
This might not work when you are playing poker but for online gambling, you can trust other players. If the casino tries to trick you, other players can call it out. This is the reason that you should always check the reviews and ratings in order to find the truth about the game.
This would also tell you about the experience of the other players.
These are some of the tips that can help you in increasing the probability of your win. Your guide to gambling in Oz can help you in increasing your winning probability.
Manipulating slot machines in the past have questioned the probability of winning. Many players find it hard to believe if it is possible. However, with practice and familiarity, it is possible to manipulate slots.
Facts About Slot Games
You might be able to find how to win at slot games but at times you need to be aware of its working as well. If you are a frequent visitor to casinos then you must be familiar with the game and its rules.
There are some interesting facts about slot games that you must know.
Some of them are given below:
- The software for casino games is designed in a way that the mobile users experience the same version as they do while using a desktop.
- The user interface is kept simple with clear instructions. With a new slot comes with a new interface and design. This is the reason that they need to make a slot that in understandable and user-friendly.
- It is safe to play slots using mobile phones. They have a very strict security system that keeps your phone secured. The team would inform you as soon as any suspicious activity would take place from your account.
- Each slot is a machine is different. They might look the same on the outside but inside there is something that makes them different. A slot machine can hit the jackpot twice within the same time period.
- You cannot find any special technique or way to hit the spinner. Each move by the gambler would not affect the way in which the slot moves.
- There is also a myth that is associated with a hot coin. It is not true that a hot coin would affect the slot machine’s action.
These are some of the interesting facts that are not widely known. People tend to believe the myths that have been created over the past years.
Each machine is different and you should be familiar with its working.
Being familiar would help you in making the pattern work. You can win on slots. You need to keep in mind the tricks and tips that have been told.
These are enough to help you in making a winning slot. So make sure you do your homework before showing up at a gambling game.
How to Win on Slot Machines Every Time: Pick the Right Slot Machine
Now that you know so much about the slot machine, you should be able to pick the right one. This might be a tricky step but once you are through it you might know how to tell if a slot machine is ready to pay.
This article has made it easy for you to learn how to win on slot machines every time. Learn the tips and tricks so that you can hit the jackpot. With these aforementioned tips, you might be able to win the big hit.
Wouldn’t it be nice to win BIG?
To find the latest articles and features that cover the whole gambling industry in Australia, check out our other blogs posts.