Did you ever wonder if you could predict how a Vegas casino online slot machine will pay out? Slots aficionados have been mulling that question ever since the Liberty Bell - the first slot machine - was introduced in the late 1800s.
Over the years, slot machines have become the most popular feature in both onland and online casinos. They offer a gaming experience that's suitable for both high-stakes VIP players and budget gamers with fun-filled themes, fast-paced action, interactive features and the alluring potential for lucrative cash wins.
For most slots enthusiasts, the lure is in the gameplay interaction which is amusing and involves low-level challenges and decisions. However, some players base their choice of the machine on which they wish to play on the payout opportunities. These players aim to enjoy a more satisfying gaming event by increasing their wins. They believe that they can do this by assessing the machine's basic gameplay, bonus rounds jackpot possibilities.
Is it possible to compare slot machines by predicting the machines' payout potential? The programming, mechanics and odds of slot machines make it difficult to accurately predict outcomes. Online players, however, can combine their understanding of how machines operate with different machines' features to gain insights that could result in more rewarding results.
Slot Machine Features
The better you understand a slot machine's workings, the easier it will be for you to optimize the machine for your benefit.
Return to Player
Every slot machine is programmed with a RTP (Return to Player) percentage. The RPT is the percentage that represents the average amount that the machine will pay back to gamers over time. For example, for every $100 wagered on a machine with a RTP of 96.5%, over time, the machine will return $96.50.
A machine's RTP is calculated over the course of hundreds of thousands and even millions of spins. For individual players, that means that there's no guarantee of how the machine will play out over the course of a short play session.
The RTP is programmed by the game designer which developed the slot. It can't be changed by a casino operator. The RTP percentage can give you a general idea of which machines would be likely to pay out more. You won't be able to predict a specific payout or winning spin, but you will be able to assess which slots offer better odds.
Random Number Generator
Today, every slot machine produced by every licensed developer is programmed with a Random Number Generator – an algorithm that ensures that every result of every spin is fair and random. The feature was developed by Alan Turing, known as the “grandfather of computing” and guarantees true quantum randomness.
When you press “spin,” you trigger the machine’s RNG. Within a split second, the machine selects a number which then determines the symbols' final alignment on the reels. No spin of a slot machine's reels can influence the outcome of the next spin.
RNGs run constantly, even when the machine is not in play. This ensures that every outcome will be determined during that split second that the player initiates the spin. Every spin is independent, so it's impossible to predict the outcome of future spins.
If you want to play slots with some kind of betting system, you should take a moment to learn about the role of the RNG in determining the results of every spin. Systems like the Martingale system, the Fibonacci system, the D'Alembert system and other progressive betting systems encourage you to place your bets based on the idea that you'll achieve better results if you make wagers based on the outcomes of previous spins. For instance, the Martingale system guides you to double your bet after a loss, etc. But, by understanding the role of the RNG, you'll be able to avoid such systems that may otherwise cause you to lose beyond your budgeted amount.
Progressive Jackpots
If you're playing a slot machine with a progressive jackpot, the game, which is linked to other identical machines that are being played in different areas around the world, collects a portion of each bet. Those collected bets grow until one participating player triggers the jackpot prize.
It's a popular myth that you can maximize your chances by anticipating when the machine will be “due” to pay out. It sounds reasonable theoretically because logically, the more time a machine goes without paying out the jackpot, the more likely it is to “be due.” But the actual outcome is completely random due to the RNG so there's no way to anticipate a jackpot payout.
Myths and Misconceptions
If you're going to play smart slots, you need to be aware of the misconceptions and myths that surround slots gaming. Some of the most prevalent myths include:
- Tracking a Machine's Hits – You may be told to record a machine’s results so that you will spot trends, but that's a futile effort. Remember, every spin of the reels is entirely independent of previous spins.
- Find "Cold"/"Hot" Machines – Some people believe that slot machines go through "cold" (losing) or "hot" (winning) streaks and that you can play accordingly. However, the RNGs make that occurrence impossible. A machine’s outcomes have no relationship to its past performance.
- Patterns and Timed Payouts – It may seem logical to try to identify a machine's patterns or anticipate when it will pay out. Every spin of a slot machine's reels is random which means that you won't be able to detect cycles of wins and losses through patterns.
Maximize Your Gaming Event
To get the most out of your gaming event, be sure to play a slot machine that was designed by a licensed game developer. These regulated developers are monitored to ensure that each game's RNG software delivers random results.
Other than that, casino advisors suggest that slots gamers play smart by:
- Choosing machines with a high RTP.
- Setting and maintaining a suitable gambling budget.
- Avoiding common myths and misconceptions about betting “systems”.
- Optimizing casino bonuses and promotions to extend playtime.
Stick to smart playing strategies and enjoy a more satisfying slots gaming adventure!
