How does an online slot machine work?
Magic, skill, or luck? Just how do you land that winning jackpot? Is there really a method to the madness or are wins completely random? Let’s bust some of the common myths surrounding slots sites machines to uncover how an online slot machine really works and how you can get the most out of your bet.
Myth 1: All wins are fixed.
FALSE. Every online slot machine uses a complex algorithm that ensures transparency, fairness, and honesty. Slots are programmed using a random number generator computer that generates a series of completely randomised sequences every millisecond. This ensures that the results of your slots games spin are completely random and unaffected by any other factor.
Myth 2: If a slot has recently paid out a jackpot, it won’t pay one again for a while.
FALSE. As we discussed above, every spin is completely randomised by a fair and impartial computer algorithm. So, if a slot has recently paid out a jackpot, it has the exact same odds of paying out one again in the next spin. This is because the computer program does not have a memory and each spin is independent of the previous one.
Myth 3: Online slot machines are programmed to have hot and cold streaks.
FALSE. Again, as the result of each spin is generated at random by a random number generator, it is simply untrue that slot machines are specifically programmed to have extended runs of winning or losing bets. In the occasion that a streak does happen, this is a result of chance and a small deviation from what is deemed probable statistically.
Myth 4: There’s only a small chance of winning on an online slot machine.
FALSE. In order to find out the statistical chance of a return from your bet on an online slot machine, you need to look for the Return to Player (RTP) percentage that will be listed in the information tab on the slot. A quick Google search will also reveal this information. Some online slots have an RTP as low as 85%, some as high as 98%. It’s true that some slots have a higher chance of paying out as they have a higher RTP than others, although remember that all wins are the results of a computer-generated algorithm.
Now that’s cleared up, let’s look at some top tips from experts in the industry:
Always read the instructions.
This might seem like an obvious one, or unnecessary for the seasoned slot user, but every slot is different. Some slots have specific conditions such as placing the maximum bet in order to win the jackpot. You can also find the RTP percentage in the instructions, as well as useful information about how to trigger bonus rounds.
Know when to stop.
Remember that every result is randomly generated by a computer, and that there is no set moment that the slot machine will generate a win or a jackpot. Even if you have spent a lot of time and money on a slot, this doesn’t mean its due to land a win. Every spin is random.