The Myths Of The Slots Debunked
Playing the slots is one of the biggest draws in a casino - both
online and off! despite this, there are many myths concerning
the slot machine and how to "know" whether a payoff is close.
These myths are left over from the bygone era of slots that
really used a handle to create spinning reels. With the advent
of computers, however, this is just no longer the case. Let's
take a look at how modern slots actually work.
The Modern Slot Machine and RNG
Slot machines contain a "random number generator" (RNG)
micro-computer that constantly spits out numbers. This is true
even if the machine is NOT in use! These random numbers
correspond to positions on each of the reels in the machine.
Unlike machines in the old days, when you pull the handle or
push the button, you aren't really moving anything. Instead, you
are just telling the machine to display the last set of randomly
generated numbers.
Like the roulette wheel, where every play is completely random
and independent, one pull of a slot handle is completely random
and completely independent of the previous or next pull. It all
comes down to the precise moment that you pull that handle or
push that "Spin" button.
What does this mean for you?
- A machine is never "due to hit."
- A machine can go for days on end without a decent payout but
there is no reason it can't have two large payouts in a short
period of time.
- Playing faster will not increase your chances of winning. The
RNG will generate thousands of numbers between the spins of even
the fastest player.
- The number of coins you play has nothing to do with the
numbers that are generated. - It makes absolutely no difference
to the machine, or the results, if you pull the handle or press
the "Spin" button.
The RNG has changed the nature of the slot machine. However, not
all machines are alike. The key point with slot machines is that
they are set up with different payback percentages and hit
frequencies. Machines that pay off frequently are said to be
"loose." But loose isn't always a good thing if you're looking
for a hefty jackpot. If a machine has a high payback percentage
(98%), but also has a high hit frequency, you'll end up with a
lot of little payouts. The best machines are those with a high
payback percentage and a lower hit frequency.
Casinos will usually scatter their looser machines in areas that
are visible by the largest number of people. You're more likely
to find a loose machine near the front desk where arriving
players are standing in line watching the action, near "the
cage", on main aisles, or are visible from buffet and show lines
or lounges. The older places near the north end of the Strip may
set their machines looser to try and draw players away from the
newer, fancier resorts.
Tips
- The three-reel machines with only one "payline" (the line that
goes across the reel display indicating where the symbols have
to line up) offer the best overall percentages for coming out
ahead.
- Higher denomination machines have higher payback percentages.
You'll probably do better playing a single coin in a dollar
machine than three coins in a quarter machine.
- Don't listen to those who say "always play maximum coins".
It's your money you're putting in those machines. Play the
number of coins you feel comfortable playing. The more coins you
play the faster you will go through your bankroll, the shorter
your session will be, and the fewer spins you will get.
- Don't forget to insert your players card in the reader before
you begin playing and don't forget to take it with you when you
leave.
- Slot play should be fun. If you find yourself mindlessly
pushing a "Spin" button watching the "Credits" display count
down you've probably had enough fun for awhile.
- Most casinos will "cap" (i.e. hold) a machine for you if you
want to take a break or go to the restroom. Ask a slot or change
attendant if you want your machine capped, but be sure to take
your money with you.
- While I have no way of proving it, it seems like the slots
tighten up on Friday mornings and stay that way through the
weekend (to make more money off of the crowds that drive in). If
you stay includes weekdays, play the slots then and switch to
table games on the weekends.