If you’re a gambler, chances are you’ve played some slot machines in your lifetime. These bright, colorful, jingling machines are fun to play and they can be very profitable for casinos. However, many players don’t understand how they actually work and can be manipulated into making bad decisions. Here are some things to keep in mind the next time you hit a slot machine.
This Myth is Wrong
Many people believe that slots are random and the outcome of a spin is determined by luck. While it’s true that slot machines do have random components, the fact is that there is a lot of knowledge and skill that goes into their design and construction. In fact, the odds of winning a slot game are determined by a combination of the probability of hitting each symbol and the paytable, which lists how much you can win for landing certain combinations of symbols on a payline.
A Random Number Generator (RNG) chip decides the outcome of a spin at the moment you press the “spin” button. The RNG generates numbers within a massive spectrum and determines the sequence that will appear on the reels. This sequence is then mapped to a specific stop on the physical reels. The software providers of the slot machine will then look at the results of each spin to see if it’s performing better than others, if the hits are coming more often, and if there is a particular symbol that is being landed on more frequently or less often than others.
Once the software providers have analyzed the data, they can make improvements to the machine by changing its internal program and adjusting the weightings of the stops on the reels. This process is called “tuning” and it’s a common part of the development process for any casino game. The RNG chip in a modern slot is constantly being tested and improved to increase its performance and reliability.
Another important thing to remember is that slots are not truly random. Even though they have random parts, the overall pattern is decided by a series of algorithms that are coded in advance. This is why you will sometimes experience a hot streak followed by a cold one.
Watch for the Candle (aka Tower Light)
One of the best tips we can offer is to always watch for a candle or tower light on a slot machine. This is a sign that the machine has recently paid out. This is good news for you because it means that the machine is likely in a hot cycle and will continue to pay out until a player gets tired of waiting or the jackpot runs out.