How Slot Machines Work

Slot machines are the most popular casino games and the easiest to play. Most gamers love these slots as they do not need gambling knowledge and require a very small amount to bet. Initially, casinos installed slot games as a diversionary tactic against casual players.

Installing slot machines became a monstrous success and the most profitable game in casinos. This profitability also contributed to the popularity of slots among players. The technology behind slot machines has changed over the years, i.e., computerized machines replacing mechanical designs. However, despite all the changes, the game has remained the same.

In this article, we will find out the functionality of a slot machine regarding reel motion and what determines the odds of winning.

How Slot Machines Work

Slot machines are made up of reels and pay lines. Every slot has at least three reels, and each of these reels has several symbols. Thanks to digital technology, physical slot machines with 20 or more symbols per reel can now have up to 256 virtual symbols that allow for millions of combinations. These combinations are called pay lines. They pay out gamblers who win their bet.

Slot machines have Random Number Generators that make it impossible to predict the outcome of the game. The Random Number Generators produce thousands of numbers per second, each having different combinations. Winning and losing are determined by the Random Number Generators the moment you activate each play. If the combination matches the payline, you win.

Before placing your money on the slot machines, you should consider the following factors:

The odds
Cost per play
Paylines
Return to play

Not all slot machines are alike. Some allow players to select the number of paylines they can bet on per day and the amount they want to bet. Search for the pay tables on or near the machine that elaborate on everything you need to know that can help you gamble successfully.

Payouts and Winning Odds

When it comes to slot games, the expected payouts and winning odds depend on a variety of factors, such as:

The machine you are playing
Paylines
The number of credits you wager

If you choose slot machines that require pennies to play, you will likely win small prizes very often. Conversely, those that cost several dollars to play always pay out huge prizes as they offer bigger jackpots and higher odds. In some slot games, the winning odds for the prize are 1 in n12, but the winning odds for the top prize are only 1 in 649400.

However, do not be fooled. The odds of winning a slot game always favor the casino house. This is regardless of the machine you decide to play. In the long run, you will likely walk away with less than when you started playing.

House Advantage of Slot Machines

The house advantage or house edge refers to the average profit the casino house is expected to make from each slot machine. It is typically the mathematical advantage the casino has over you or the percentage of your bet that it keeps as profit over the long term.

Statistically, slot machines have an average house advantage of 8%; hence the average return to player (RTP) is 92%. Due to this RTP, the winning slot machine is less favorable than table games like roulette, pai gow poker, blackjack, and baccarat.

House Advantage of Other Games Compared to Slot Machines