‘Are Slot Machines Really Random?’ – We Debunk the Myths.

In a word: yes. The results of slots are determined by something called an RNG: a Random Number Generator. This is a piece of software that spits out random numbers that are used to decide the results of in-game events, like what symbols appear on each reel.

Over the years, all kinds of rumors and myths have arisen about both RNGs and slot games - that the numbers follow a pattern, that casinos have control over the results, or that you can game the system. But that’s exactly what they are: myths. The results of slots are truly random and impossible to predict.

Legend has it that if a slot machine hasn’t paid out in a long time, it’s due to hit the jackpot. But this is not the way slots function. Jackpots occur because someone spun the reels at the right moment in time for the symbols to align properly to payoff that player. This could happen once in 2,000 turns and then twice straight. The result is always random.

Even if the casino wanted to fix games, they couldn’t do it. Slot machines have integrated RNGs (random number generators), which ensure a random outcome every time. The casino operators can’t simply press a button to edit the software: slots are made with their randomness built-in from the beginning.

Some people believe that a casino can change how often a machine pays out by simply clicking a switch. Well, we’re sorry to inform you that’s not the case. Payouts are tied to a computer chip that is inserted into the slot when it is being manufactured.

These chips cannot be easily changed to alter how often and how much a slot will pay. If they are changed, then proper paperwork must be filed, and the right people informed. There are rules and regulations designed to ensure fairness, and these preclude a casino randomly and independently changing how often or how much a machine pays out.

Every single spin is unique and random, whether you click the button or let the autoplay do it for you. All autoplay does is save you a little bit of time and effort, it has no impact on the results.

There’s nothing wrong with having a preferred time of day to spin the reels, but don’t be under the illusion that it makes a difference to the results. Any patterns you think you see in the timings of your wins are purely coincidental. Slots don’t care what time it is, the payouts always occur randomly. Lucky times are a fallacy.

Some people believe that a slot is set to pay out small amounts over a prescribed number of turns and then pay the jackpot amount. Impossible. A machine might not offer any winning combinations for 500 spins and then it might hit three jackpots straight. The turns one takes on any slot are individual events, and one spin is not related to any other one. The result of any turn on a slot machine is random.

Whether you spend the minimum or the maximum on a slot will not influence the payout. However, how many paylines you play will to a degree, as the more lines you select the better your chances are of winning because you have access to more ways to win.

The size of your payout will also be influenced by the size of your wager. But machines will not award you a payment just because you spent the maximum allowed. By putting the maximum bet into a slot machine, you have the chance to win the maximum number of tokens or to lose the max.

Progressive jackpots can be won by anyone, regardless of how much they bet. You don’t even have to take our word for it: there are tons of famous examples of players hitting huge progressive jackpots from small bets. Like John Orchard for example, who won almost $10,000,000 on Mega Moolah from a bet of just £0.30 in 2012.

Just in case you missed it the first few times, the results of slots are random – no strategy will change that fact. However, by understanding how different slots work and tailoring your play accordingly you can still give yourself the best chance of winning.

The odds of winning at every slot are different. You can check the RTP (return to player) % to see what proportion of bets the game pays out. The volatility of a slot refers to the frequency of wins, and it’s smart to find a volatility level that matches your playing style. Low volatility slots provide frequent, smaller wins - perfect for players invested in the long haul. On the other hand, very volatile slots pay out much less often but at high rates - more appealing for gamblers who are dreaming of one-off jackpots.

It’s important to utilize proper bankroll management techniques and don’t spend more money than you can afford. Chasing wins with no guarantee is dangerous territory. Remember that slots have RNGs (random number generators) which produce random results. We recommend you initially play the machine in free mode to get a sense of how the machine works and how often it pays out.