Slot machines are live casino games that have quite straightforward play mechanics – you pull/click a lever and if the same symbol lines up on all the reels, you stand to win something.
However, there are a lot of things that happen behind the flashy graphics. If you have ever wondered how do slot machines work, this guide will answer all your queries. We will tell you how the concept of random number generators (RNGs) helps a slot machine generate random results each time. Plus, you’ll find details of a slot machine’s basic structure and available payouts.
You must have seen a slot machine from the front; let’s take you on a journey to the back of these machines.
The Basics of Slot Machines
Technology is the core of modern slot machines, and the advancements have shaped how these machines perform. However, slot machines are not new. The first precursor to the modern slot machine was built way back in 1891 by Sittman and Pitt of Brooklyn, New York.
It was a mixture of poker and a slot machine, having five drums containing 50 card faces. Each time a player used to pull the lever, the machine showed a random outcome.
Several developments and iterations have happened since. However, each of them corresponded to the slot machine mechanics. This is where technology played its role, and the first-ever video slot machine was developed in 1976 in California. This proved to be the foundation of how slot machines work in the modern era.
However, one thing that has stood the test of time is that slots are still a game of chance, and the outcome is not controlled by either the casino or game developers.
How Random Number Generators (RNG) Work in Slot Machines
Random Number Generators (RNG) are the heart and soul of a slot machine. These generate numbers at a rapid pace even when the machine is not playing, which means RNG is constantly working in the background of a slot machine. RNG is the actual answer to how do slot machines work.
When a player presses the spin button (or pulls a lever), these RNGs select random numbers corresponding to different combinations of symbols. This process is instantaneous, and the outcome is determined as soon as the player spins.
RNGs are designed in such a manner that they deliver a unique result on each spin, independent of the previous one. It ensures that the game remains fair and unbiased. There are no patterns in how slot machines operate that can be studied. Also, it is practically impossible to predict the result of a slot machine. This further shows that slot machines are entirely a game of chance.
Understanding Paylines, Symbols, and Reels
The drums used in the first precursor to the modern slot machine have been replaced by reels. There can be three or more reels in a slot machine. Physical slot machines can have 20 or more symbols on each of these reels. Reels are basically vertical columns with rotating cylinders containing symbols.
Symbols are the images that are present on these virtual columns. It differs from game to game and relates to the theme of the slot machine. These symbols determine the winning combination. Virtual symbols in some digital slot machines can go up to 256. Hence, millions of combinations are possible. When the winning symbols align together, it is called a payline.
There are various kinds of slot machines. Some of these offer you to bet on a fixed payline. Some slot machines let you bet on an active payline. An active payline is one that a player can activate after placing a bet, and it counts toward forming a winning combination.
Slot Machine Payouts and RTP (Return to Player)
RTP or Return to Player is a self-defining term. It is the percentage of the total bet that the slot machine is designed to return to players over time. A slot machine with 95% RTP means that the slot is designed to return £95 for every bet of £100. A high RTP would mean a higher chance of winning.
However, RTP is not a guarantee, and slot machines are still a game of chance. The RTP is not about a single bet but is observed over many spins or bets.
Types of Slot Machines: Classic, Video, and Progressive Slots
There are three types of slot machines:
- Classic Slots: These are traditional slot machines with a coin-based structure. You need to feed money to these machines before you start and pull the lever to spin the reel. These can be multi-line, meaning you can create several winning paylines within the game.
- Video Slots: These are the modern slot machines that are programmed using high-end software. The game might be modern, but it still follows the principle of a traditional slot machine. Advanced graphics and sound are used in these games to make them stand out in a casino. You have the option of multiple paylines as well as jackpots in video slots.
- Progressive Slots: When you mix a video slot game with a jackpot, you get progressive slots. Here, a small amount of the overall bet is added to the growing jackpot pool. The prize money keeps growing, considering there is no cap on the jackpot pool. Every player gets a chance, and the game ends when a player wins the slot.
The gameplay and payout structure of these slots might differ from one another. However, it doesn’t have any effect on the chances of winning and the results still remain as random as they can.
How Slot Machine Bonuses and Features Work
Bonuses are special elements that are built into the gameplay of a slot machine. These offer players extra ways to win and make the game more dynamic. Some of the common types of bonuses are:
- Free Spins: As the name suggests, free spins allow you to spin the reel without making any additional bets.
- Bonus Rounds: These are opportunities that you get to play a mini-game inside an ongoing game. Players can win big by completing tasks or making choices.
- Multipliers: This bonus feature multiplies your winning amount by an enormous margin.
There are plenty of other bonuses that are available in slot machine games. However, the outcome of these bonuses doesn’t change the odds of winning from a slot game. These are just additional levels added on top of the game to make it more lucrative.
Understanding Slot Machines: Informed Play for Better Decisions
By now, you would not just have understood how to play slot machines but various other aspects of this game. The core fundamental of slot machines is the random number generator slots.
This knowledge can help you make informed decisions. However, the outcome of these slot machines is always randomly generated and can’t be predicted.
FAQs
What are symbols, and how do they relate to payouts?
Every slot game has various symbols on the reels. When the reels line up in a way, where the same symbol appears on each of them, players win.
How are progressive jackpots calculated on slot machines?
Progressive jackpot games like the Mega Moolah work on the principle of snowball effect. The jackpot keeps growing bigger with each spin. If a player loses, the jackpot amount is added to the next round’s jackpot.
Can a slot machine’s outcome be influenced or predicted?
The reels on the slot machines are designed to line up randomly and the outcome cannot be predicted.
Read Next: Can You Play Real Slots Online? Everything You Need to Know
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