Slot machines, often called "one-armed bandits," are the undisputed kings of the grande casino floor. Slot machines captivate gamers with their flashing lights, mesmerizing sounds, and the promise of big money wins and life-changing jackpots.
The results of slots spins are random but there’s more to these machines than chance. Today’s slots are designed in ways that combine psychology, mathematics, sociology and technology. Learn about the intricate mechanics of slots.
Early Days
Slot machines have come a long way since they were first introduced in the late 19th century. An American inventor, Charles Fey, is credited with creating the first slot machine in 1895. Fey called his invention “Liberty Bell” and he built it with three spinning reels, and five symbols – diamonds, spades, horseshoes, hearts, and, of course, the Liberty Bell.
The machine was quite technologically advanced for its day. The player would pull the lever to start the reels spinning. The goal was to have Liberty Bell symbols aligned on the reels when the spin came to a stop. Many salons and candy stores had these machines in their corners and payouts were often delivered in the form of pieces of candy or drinks.
Little by little, the machines evolved. Images of fruit replaced the card suit symbols and paylines were added to make the game more interesting. When the Las Vegas casinos began to open, they adopted the slot machines as an attractive way to draw in customers. They replace levers with buttons and adopted mechanical hoppers mechanize payouts which they awarded in cash.
Slot Machines Today
Today, slot machines are powered by complex computer algorithms. They feature advanced graphics, multiple paylines, dozens of different types of storylines, interactive elements, bonus games, jackpots and more. Yet if you’re playing today, you’re still playing according to the core principles that Fey set out in the 1890s – you place your bet, spin the reels and aim to land matching symbols in order to score a win.
If you’re playing the slots, either online or at a retail casino, you might want to know a little more about the science behind these machines. Some features of today’s machines include:
Random Number Generators (RNGs)
The Random Number Generator (RNG) is at the heart of every modern slot machine. RNGs determine the outcome of each spin using sophisticated algorithms that produce a continuous stream of random numbers. The RNG ensures that each spin is entirely independent of previous ones and that the results of each spin are random. That means that you can never predict or manipulate the results.
That means that, if you’re playing the slots, you need to be prepared for the reality that there’s really nothing that you can do to increase your odds. In addition, there are no “systems” to help you achieve better results when you’re playing a slot machine, so any site that tries to get you to buy into a system (i.e. the Martingale system that says that you should double your bet after a loss or the d’Alembert strategy where you prioritize small wins and minimize losses) is tricking you.
Random Number Generators promote unpredictability and that’s exactly what many slots payers are looking for in their gaming adventure.
Payback Percentage
Every slot machine is programmed to return a specific percentage to players in winnings over time. That certainty is what’s known as the Return-To-Player or RTP rate. If your goal is to achieve payouts, you’ll want a to play a machine with as high a RTP as possible.
For example, a slot machine with a 96% RTP can be expected, in the long run, to return $96 for every $100 wagered on it. There’s no guarantee that you will win/lose a specific amount but it gives you an idea of what your chances are of enjoying a successful gaming event at that particular slot.
Reels and Symbols
Most players aren’t aware that the arrangements of the symbols on the reels is an important aspect of the determination of a slot machine’s payouts and odds. Some machines have 3 reels and 3-5 paylines while others have up to 50 paylines or feature Ways to Win in which there are no paylines to enable but rather, you enable the spins, globally.
There are also a wide range of symbols and features on the various machines, ranging from wild and scatter symbols to free spins games, bonus games, expanding reels, wild symbols, cascading reels and more. All of these are designed to enhance the gameplay while aiding to increase wins.
Themes
For gamers who like to live out their fantasies and pursue their interests while playing slot machines, there are a wide range of game themes from which to choose. 100 years ago, there were a few basic symbols and no storylines to the game but today, you can find games with plots ranging from romance, suspense and intrigues to whimsy, holiday fun, history, mystery, magic and more.
Audio Visual
Playing slots is very much about the sensory experience. That’s why gaming companies invest heavily in creating games with vibrant graphics, immersive sound effects and captivating animations. These elements are as much a part of what keeps players coming back as are the actual gameplay.
Slot machines are more than mere games of chance. They are the product of meticulous design and advanced technology. When you understand the mechanics behind these iconic casino games you’ll be able to appreciate the fascination and excitement that they offer to millions of slots enthusiasts around the world.
