Find out How Slot Machines Work!

Classic Slot Machines:

Classic slot machines used to work on mechanical wheels that were spun by a lever and stopped once they lost enough speed to be stopped by the breaking mechanism, in a random position. Nowadays, most slot machines are operated by computer programs that simulate the mechanical process. In other words, the RNG (random number generator) generates numbers on which the outcome of the wheels is based. Many of these machines still have handles, but it only is a tribute to the tradition. A handle does the same function as a Play button at other machines. It closes or opens an electrical circuit to give the computer the signal to proceed executing the program, so finessing of the handle is as useless as doing it with a light switch in your living room.

Some players believe spinning the reels independently is the key to the success. Unfortunately, it does not change a thing. The reels will stop at the positions determined by random numbers generated by the RNG, whether these reels are spun simultaneously or not. These numbers will be different if the player selects a different option. Actually, these numbers will be different even if the handle is pulled a millisecond before or after. However, the marvelous ability of RNG is generating numbers that do not depend on any controllable or visible factors, so no matter when and how you spin the reels, you will get completely unpredictable numbers.

The Theory Behind Random Numbers:

Now let us talk about the statistics and the theory of random numbers. Some people believe that slot machines have some mysterious cycles in which they are supposed to roll out the blackjack or any other combination. This belief is nothing more than an erroneous understanding of statistical terms. These cycles are theoretical numbers that represent an average probability of certain combination to appear in an infinite number of spins. These numbers are useful to casinos, because, although they do not expect to live long enough to see their machines played infinite number of times, the latter are played enough times for these numbers to be very close to the expected value. For an ordinary player these numbers do not give anything, but understanding that slot machines only profit the casino and no one else. Claiming that the next spin is the last in the cycle and therefore must come out with the jackpot is total absurd. The jackpot, as all other combinations has the same probabilities on each particular spin, and the computer has neither a function to remember the previous spins nor the conscience to pay hard working players. The previous outcomes of the reels do not accumulate in any place and do not affect any further play, resetting the odds at each new spin.

Slot machines are not PROGRAMMED to roll out certain outcomes favorable for the house. There is no evil conspiracy against poor players. Video slots are just a reproduction of mechanical slots and all their outcomes are completely random. Casinos do not have any evil methods, but a vulgar statistical advantage. What actually is programmed by the casinos is the payout table and not the algorithm of the game.

Let%u2019s say that either a physical reel or its simulation has 20 symbols on it, and only one of these symbols is BAR. So, each reel has 1/20 probability to stop with its BAR symbol in the pay line. The probability of rolling out three BARs at three reels at the same time will have 1/8,000 (1/20 in the power of 3) probability, so, in average (after many cycles), the three BARs combination will be paid once in 8,000 spins, and if we are talking about a one coin game, this will happen after 8,000 coins were inserted. If the payout for three BARs is 7,000 coins, the casino will earn an average of 1,000 coins per each 8,000 spins. As was mentioned above, these numbers can change dramatically in a short term, but casinos do not care about the short term. If they know that in one month this machine will be played, let us say, 800,000 times, they can count on 100,000 coins income from it. It most probably will not be exactly 100,000 but it will be compensated in the future and sooner or later will approximate the average sum very closely.