There is one key element in modern slot machines: the random number generator. As soon as a slot machine is activated, the function begins generating random numbers at a surreal rate (usually hundreds per second).
The moment a player presses the spin button on a slot machine, the random number generator (or “RNG”) takes the most recent series of digits and uses it to determine the outcome. While the spinning symbols give the illusion that the final result is determined one reel at a time, it is actually already decided the moment the player presses the button. Of course, slots would lose much of their appeal if results were presented instantly.
Although winning symbols are selected randomly, some are programmed to appear more frequently than others. If this were not the case, wild and bonus symbols would appear far more often and result in significant losses for the house.
Despite superstitions to the contrary, slot machines are not programmed to alternate between wins and losses. A machine could go 20 years without paying a progressive jackpot, or it could award two in the same day. This is good news for players, who can play right after a jackpot winner with the same chances of success.
HOUSE EDGE
The house edge on most slot machines ranges from 6% to 15%. Physical slot machines must pay a minimum amount determined by their state or country, while online games tend to be less regulated. If you use a reputable internet casino that uses leading software, you should be fine.
ODDS AND RETURN PERCENTAGE
When it comes to slots, there are so many variations today that figuring out the exact odds is almost impossible. Instead, slot machine odds are expressed as return percentages. As a player, you should look for games with the highest return percentage you can find — online this should be at least 99% or better.
There are rumours that some traditional casinos even have loose slot games that pay over 100%. Casinos supposedly place these in high-traffic areas so more customers can witness someone hitting the big prize. There are no such loose games online, but the average online return is higher than what you would find in any regular casino.
In a physical casino slot game, the average return percentage is 92.5%. Quarter machines average 94.1%, dollar machines 95.9%, and high-stakes $5 machines 98.4%. Online overheads are much lower than in a real casino, so return percentages can be higher without the house suffering.
The return percentage of most online casino slots is around 99%. With so many casinos to choose from, take the time to find the games with the highest returns — it may not make a huge difference in a single session, but over the long run it adds up to a significant amount.
PROGRESSIVE JACKPOTS
Progressive jackpots can increase return percentages because the jackpot amount grows considerably before a potential win. If the jackpot is large enough, the return on a game can easily exceed 100% of investment, creating a positive betting situation for players. The bigger the progressive jackpot, the better the return percentage. Wait until the jackpot has grown to a good size before playing, and always bet the maximum on any progressive jackpot game — otherwise you do not qualify for the jackpot and your return percentage decreases.
BANKROLL MANAGEMENT
When it comes to slot machine numbers and odds, understanding bankroll management is essential. Start by figuring out how much money you can spend on slots, then divide it across multiple sessions. The key is to stay in the game as long as possible — playing at the right bet levels ensures enough time to have a decent chance of winning a large return. All slot games slowly drain your balance until a return hits, so betting too high will exhaust your balance before you hit a big win.
The most common mistake players make is not leaving when they are winning. Set a predetermined win target and leave when you reach or exceed it after a significant winning round. One of the worst things players do after a big win is keep playing just to round up their total to a nice number — do not waste your winnings chasing a prettier figure.
SLOTS STRATEGY
If someone offers to sell you a slot machine strategy, be prepared for some misinformed nonsense. There is no system or trick to beat slots, and anyone who says otherwise is either mistaken or trying to sell you something. Modern slot machines use random number generator technology, ensuring every spin is independent of the others — making it impossible to predict which symbols will appear.
There is also the return percentage, a number programmed into a slot machine that governs how much the machine pays out over its lifetime. Even a generous 97% return percentage means a long-term loss of 3% of play.
SLOT MACHINE MYTHS
“Always bet the maximum” — False. The RNG does not take the player’s bet size into account. The only time maximum betting makes sense is on progressive slots where the rules require it to qualify for the jackpot.
“Use hot or cold coins” — The temperature of your coin has nothing to do with wins or losses.
“Patterns can be predicted” — There is no way to know which symbols will appear on a modern slot machine. The RNG ensures this with computer precision.
“Slot systems work” — Systems like the Zig Zag or Martingale are inherently flawed. The Martingale — doubling your bet after every loss — is an easy way to go broke quickly.
“Single coin betting gives better odds” — The RNG determines winning symbols regardless of how many coins are inserted.
“This machine is due for a payout” — Slot machines do not have memory. Each spin is independent, and the return percentage calculation considers a near-infinite number of spins.
“Casinos can instantly adjust a slot machine” — While machines can be adjusted, this is not done on the fly to end a player’s hot streak.
“Slots pay in cycles” — The RNG makes this idea completely impossible and a waste of time to pursue.
TYPES OF SLOT MACHINES
Reel Slots: Found only in physical casinos, these are the original slot machines using mechanical reels. No new versions are being produced, though they are still prized by some collectors.
Video Slots: The modern form of slots using computer technology to display virtual reels. Often includes animation and clips from popular films or TV shows.
Classic Slots: The most basic modern slot type, awarding prizes as determined by the pay table. Often features special symbols, multipliers, wilds and bonus rounds.
Single Line: The most basic type, offering a payout on just one line across the reels. Increasingly rare in the modern era.
Multi-Line: Offers numerous paylines in various patterns across the reels. Hitting any line is a win, and multiple wins on a single spin are possible. 30-payline games are the industry standard.
Multi-Spin: When the reels stop, the player can choose to re-spin while holding one or more reels (usually those showing the highest-paying symbols). Payouts are typically set lower to compensate.
Jackpot: Certain symbol combinations offer a fixed top prize — the “jackpot” — representing the highest payout in the game.
Progressive: A small percentage of every bet is added to a growing jackpot. When the winning combination is hit, the jackpot resets to a minimum and starts growing again. Progressive jackpots can reach six or even seven figures.
Multi-Denomination: Allows the player to choose their bet amount, from as little as one cent to several hundred dollars.
Bonus Round: When certain symbols appear, a bonus round is unlocked — ranging from simple free spins to animated mini-games with free spins or cash bonuses.
Buy-a-Pay: Features multiple pay tables; higher bets qualify for better payouts. Maximum bet is required to be eligible for the jackpot.
Loose vs. Tight Slots: Not actual types, but terms used to describe machines. A loose slot pays out frequently; a tight slot is stingy with payouts.
HISTORY OF SLOT MACHINES
The term “slot machine” was originally applied to various coin-operated devices. Everything changed in 1898 when Bavarian immigrant Charles Fey in San Francisco created the first modern slot machine — the Card Bell, featuring three mechanical reels and automatic payouts. He later replaced the card suit symbols with a patriotic theme featuring stars and a cracked Liberty Bell, creating the Liberty Bell machine. Three Liberty Bells on the reels paid the top prize of 10 coins.
Competition grew quickly. In 1907, Herbert Mills created the Operator Bell in Chicago — remembered as the first slot machine to include fruit symbols like cherries and lemons.
In 1963, Bally revealed the first electronic slot machine, “Money Honey,” featuring automatic payouts of up to 500 coins. In 1976, the first video slot was launched with virtual reels and internal computer technology, tested at the Las Vegas Hilton before spreading across the US.
The first progressive slot, “Megabucks,” was launched in 1986 by IGT. In 1994, Microgaming became the first developer to create an online casino, opening the market to an era of ever-more-sophisticated online slots. Today, nearly all slot machines worldwide are video slots, and the future may yet bring holographic machines.
