Basic Slot Machine Guide

How they work: All slots, whether online or in a casino, work using a Random Number Generator (RNG). This is a microchip which is constantly churning out thousands of numbers a second (even when no-ones playing). When you hit spin the machine takes the next number out which it then translates into the position which the reels should stop at, and whether you have won or not! This is the fairest way for slots to work, as it means everyone has the same chance of winning, as no-one can 'trick' them into paying out.

How to play: Apart from deciding which machine to play the only real decision you have to make is how many coins to play each go. It is generally always best to play the maximum coins, as most machines only give you the best value if you do. This is especially true with progressives (where the BIG jackpots are) as there could be thousands difference in the size of the jackpot. There are some machines where the paytable's are relatively the same however many coins you play. If you only want to play one coin at a time these are the ones for you. Have a look at our reviews as we will point these machines out for you.

Progressive machines: These slots differ from normal ones as the jackpots are always building up. Basically everytime someone plays one of these machines a small part of their stake goes into the jackpot pushing it up further until someone 'hits it' (wins the jackpot). It then resets to it's original value and starts building again.

Bonus machines: These are slots which have bonus games. The way the bonus is activated depends on the machine, but you'll normally have to get a number of symbols on the winline over a number of spins. Then you'll get the bonus game, which should normally give you a decent prize. It is best to play these games when you can play for a while without interuption as when you leave the game any progress you have made getting toward the bonus will be lost.

Secrets & Myths

Life would not be the same if it were not filled with myths.  While myths can be entertaining to some, they can be very dangerous to those who are misguided and enslaved by them.  In regards to slot machines, the following myths can be the busting of any bankroll.  Be sure you do not buy into them:

• A slot machine that is about to payout can be spotted. A winning slot machine cannot be spotted by the looks of it.  Even a slot machine in a bank of machines with high payout percentages is not going to guarantee a jackpot. It is the RNG which hands out the winnings - not the machine itself.
• Casinos always place loose machines in specific locations. While there may be some stock in finding looser machines in high traffic areas like near the cashier line, loose machines are not always going to be found in the same spots.  Casinos move their machines around all the time.
• You can determine your odds of winning by counting the number of symbols on a reel. Remember that the RNG uses a virtual reel that corresponds to the actual reel, which will always affect the odds in a different way than would be from simply counting the symbols and spaces on the visible reels.
• Slot machines can be tightened or loosened on a moments notice. While it is theoretically possible for a casino to change out the computer chip in a slot machine, this does not happen where casinos are tightly regulated. By no means is there any magic button that makes machine loose or tight.
• The longer a slot machine goes without paying out, the sooner it will. Again, since the payouts are regulated by a Random Number Generator (RNG), there is no formula for predicting when a machine may payout big - or at all. Yes, a slot must meet the payout percentage programmed into the RNG, but there is no telling if this will be met gradually over the course of a few weeks, a few days or even a few minutes.
• Players will win more often by pulling the arm of the slot machine rather than pushing the spin button. As far as the slot machine, or better, the RNG is concerned, both of these playing options are signals to start spinning the reels.  Once the reels start spinning, the RNG has already determined whether it will be a winning or losing spin. If anything, it is the timing of spinning the reels, and not how one gets them spinning.
• Putting a hot coin in a machine will increase a players chances of winning. Anyone who understands how a slot machine operates, will know that a hot coin (meaning hot from a real flame) is not going to warm up the gears and get them to "loosen" up.  This myth was likely started by an optimistic and creative gambler who had one too many free drinks sitting at the slot machines.
• Payback percentages are best on the weekends. Although casinos may change their betting stakes to accommodate certain types of players at certain times of the day, the payouts of slot machines still operate on a random basis as dictated by the RNG.